They were ranked by three metrics: dollars, a traditional and social media component and power base points. We looked at if they hold sway over multiple spheres of influence rather than have a single source of authority.
This is new to the 2011 FORBES 100 Most Power Women methodology and reflects a more dynamic and diverse power that impacts greater numbers of people.
1. Germany: Chancellor Angela Merkel
2. US: Sec retary of State Hillary Clinton
3. Brazil: President Dilma Rousseff
4. PepsiCo: Indra Nooyi
5. Facebook: Sheryl Sandberg
6. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation: Melinda Gates
7. India's Congress Party: Sonia Gandhi
8. U.S. First lady: Michelle Obama
9. French Finance Minister: Christine Lagarde (my personal favorite!!!)
10. Kraft Foods: Irene Rosenfeld
11. Musician: Lady Gaga
http://www.forbes.com/wealth/power-women/gallery/dilma-rousseff#gallerycontent