Time Magazine's Most Influential People in the World: Top Women on the List [PHOTOS]

More women than ever before have made it to Time magazine's list of 100 most influential people in the world for 2012. This year there are 38 women on the list.

According to the magazine: "They are the people who inspire us, entertain us, challenge us and change our world."

The ninth annual list is divided into five categories - Moguls, Breakout, Icons, Pioneers and Leaders - and is based on an online poll of readers.

The new sensation, Adele, joins the prestigious list with "Girl Like Me" singer Rihanna, actresses Viola Davis, comedians Kristin Wiig and Chelsea Handler.

Fashion designer Stella McCartney was all praise for Rihanna whom she felt is an outgoing personality.

"She is one of the few people I know in that world of fame and celebrity who aren't all about themselves. She'll give a real part of herself to an ordinary person she may meet, and that's rare," she said.

The new entrant to the royal family, Kate Middleton, her sister, paparazzi's favourite Pippa, and Sarah Burton, the designer responsible for the marvellous wedding dress of the Duchess of Cambridge, have made it to the list.

Actress Sarah Jessica Parker complimented Burton that "she did the undoable".

The "Change we Need" leader of US, President Barack Obama, is an obvious personality, while China's Vice-President Xi Jinping is a new face.

In the sports category, Jeremy Lin makes it to the first spot in 100. Footballer Lionel Messi and tennis player Novak Djokovic also join the league.

The notorious hackers' group Anonymous is among the influential lot.

There is also a "rogues" list and they include North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un, Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, Taliban head Mullah Mohammed Omar and Somalia's al-Shabab head Sheikh Moktar Ali Zubeyr.

The list features a total of 54 international figures from 37 countries. To check out the whole list that made it to the top 100, click here.

Below are a few top ladies on the list: