Curious who is the tallest woman in the world today? Meet Rumeysa Gelgi from Türkiye—standing an astonishing 7 ft 0.7 in (215.16 cm) according to Guinness World Records. But there’s so much more to her story than height. From her early battles with Weaver syndrome to her life as a web developer and advocate, Rumeysa is redefining visibility, strength, and acceptance. Let’s dive into her world, from her life and challenges to the giants who stood before her.

Next Reads:

• The Tallest Man in the World
• The Highest IQ in the World
• The Richest Athletes in the World
• The Richest Tennis Players
• The Highest Salaries in the WNBA
  
  

1. Early Life & Weaver Syndrome: Standing Out from Childhood

Born on January 1, 1997, in Karabük, Türkiye, Rumeysa was diagnosed at birth with Weaver syndrome, a rare genetic disorder causing accelerated growth, loose joints, and developmental complications. By age six, she was already 5′8″—towering over classmates. Her childhood was filled with multiple surgeries, including scoliosis corrections, and intensive physiotherapy. Despite these hardships, she credits her supportive parents, saying their unconditional love taught her self-confidence and resilience. By 2014, Rumeysa was officially the tallest teenage female living, reaching 213.6 cm. Seven years later, she broke through to become the tallest living woman—a testament to her incredible journey and inner strength. 

• Despite surgical challenges, she embraced her difference with positivity and courage
  
  
• Became tallest teenage female in 2014 and then tallest living woman in 2021

2. Official Height & Guinness Recognition: 215.16 cm of Impact

In October 2021, Guinness World Records officially measured Rumeysa at 215.16 cm (7 ft 0.7 in), crowning her the tallest living woman. This validated her unique place in global record history. Beyond height, she also claimed multiple other records in 2022 and 2024: from largest female hands and widest span to longest fingers, back, ears, and even longest baby (female). Each title highlights her distinctive physiology and has turned her into a public symbol of acceptance and difference. 

• Stands at 215.16 cm—confirmed tallest living woman
  
  
• Holds multiple anatomical records, showcasing her extraordinary body proportions
  

3. Advocacy & Visibility: Using Height as a Platform

Rumeysa refuses to let her title be just a curiosity—it’s her platform. As a web developer and advocate, she raises awareness for Weaver syndrome and supports body positivity worldwide. She’s appeared at public events, shared interviews, and participated in documentaries, including Rumeysa: Walking Tall. Standing alongside Jyoti Amge, the world’s shortest woman, during Guinness World Records Day in London, she helped shine a light on diversity and inclusion. Their story—two extremes connecting—was a powerful message about empathy and visibility. 

• Engages in media appearances and public speaking to champion rare conditions
  
  
• Promotes body diversity by meeting Guinness icons like Jyoti Amge
  

4. Travel & Mobility: Life on the Move—With Challenges

Travel presents unique obstacles for someone of Rumeysa’s stature. In 2022, Turkish Airlines made headlines by installing a stretcher across six airplane seats so she could fly reliably. The first time ever, she traveled horizontally—highlighting both her resilience and the need for accommodations in accessibility standards. Mobility at home also poses challenges: she uses a walker and relies on her mother for daily tasks, from moving between rooms to personal care. But she embraces these realities calmly, focusing on what she can achieve. 

• Accommodates travel by using stretcher setups in airplane cabins
  
  
• Uses mobility aids and family support to navigate daily life
  

5. Legacy of the Giants: Historic Tall Women Before Rumeysa

Rumeysa holds the current living title—but she’s not the tallest woman ever. That honor belongs to Zeng Jinlian of China, who stood 8 ft 1 in (246.3 cm) before passing in 1982. Other former record holders include Siddiqa Parveen (India, 7′8″), Yao Defen (China, 7′8″), and Sandy Allen (USA, 7′7″). Each woman faced their own struggles with health complications and social isolation. Rumeysa builds on their legacy—continuing their advocacy by turning what makes her different into a source of inspiration. 

• Zeng Jinlian remains tallest woman ever at 246.3 cm
  
  
• Rumeysa stands alongside other giants as part of a historical lineage
  

6. Personal Life & Interests: Beyond the Guinness Title

Rumeysa isn’t just a record-holder—she’s multifaceted. She works professionally as a web developer, creating inclusive digital experiences. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, spending quality moments with family, and engaging in creative outlets. She’s deeply close to her mother, who plays a central role in both her daily routine and emotional life. Her warm, humorous personality has captured hearts during interviews—she often emphasizes that fun and independence transcend physical differences. 

• Careers as a web developer and advocate for inclusive digital access
  
  
• Enjoys swimming, family time, and maintaining creative, caring relationships
  

7. Health & Therapy: Physical Well-being at Extreme Height

Weaver syndrome brings not only incredible stature—but also medical complexity. Rumeysa has had scoliosis surgeries, joint stress, and skeletal pain throughout her life. She regularly participates in physiotherapy and pain management to maintain mobility and comfort. Her resilience in the face of medical adversity is a powerful example—“standing tall” both physically and mentally. Her awareness helps shed light on the importance of specialized medical care for individuals with rare growth disorders.

• Underwent multiple scoliosis surgeries and ongoing physiotherapy
  
  
• Actively manages joint pain and skeletal strain associated with rapid growth
  
  

8. Media Appearances & Community Outreach

Rumeysa has appeared in documentaries and interviews through outlets like Guinness World Records and UNILAD, discussing life as the world’s tallest woman. She’s been featured in stories spotlighting her day-to-day struggles—like difficulty with doorways or getting dressed—always paired with her humor and authenticity. Her message centers on self-love and challenging societal perceptions, inspiring a growing global fanbase.

• Featured in documentaries like Walking Tall and media profiles with UNILAD
  
  
• Shares candid insights into daily life, blending honesty with uplifting self-confidence
  

9. Future Plans: Big Footsteps Ahead

Looking forward, Rumeysa plans to continue her advocacy, taking part in global speaking engagements and awareness campaigns for those with rare syndromes. While she may travel less, each step is intentional—each message purposeful. She hopes to inspire others to view difference not as disability, but as dignified diversity. With several anatomical records already to her name, the possibilities ahead are limitless.

• Pursuing more speaking opportunities and awareness projects for rare conditions
  
  
• Aims to inspire acceptance and visibility for physical diversity worldwide

More Than Just Height

Rumeysa’s story is not just about being the tallest woman in the world—it’s a powerful narrative of identity, challenge, celebration, and empowerment. She embodies resilience amid medical hardships, self-worth in a judgmental world, and pride in what makes her different. In a society that often fixates on appearance, she offers a more compassionate lesson: your differences are your strengths. 

FAQ’s on the World’s Tallest Woman

Who is the tallest woman in the world right now?

The current tallest woman is Rumeysa Gelgi of Türkiye, officially measured at 7 ft 0.7 in (215.16 cm) by Guinness World Records in 2021. 

How tall is Rumeysa Gelgi exactly?

Rumeysa’s height is confirmed at 215.16 cm (7 ft 0.7 in). She also holds records for largest female hands, longest fingers, back, ears, and longest female baby.

Who was the tallest woman ever recorded?

That title belongs to Zeng Jinlian of China, who stood at 246.3 cm (8 ft 1 in) before her death in 1982.

 What challenges does being the tallest woman bring?

Challenges include joint stress from Weaver syndrome, scoliosis, mobility limitations, and difficulties traveling—like needing a stretcher on planes—yet Rumeysa manages these with strength and assistance