Giving Compass' Take:

• This Gates Notes post profiles Jeanne d’Arc Girubuntu, Rwanda’s first professional female cyclist who is blazing a trail for other women athletes in Africa and beyond.

• Girubuntu's early success was supported by a nonprofit called Team Africa Rising. How can we encourage more women and girls in all endeavors to achieve their dreams?

• Here are four more powerful African women you need to know.

With more than 60 percent of its parliamentary seats held by women, Rwanda is often celebrated as a leader in women’s political empowerment.

Jeanne d’Arc Girubuntu is eager to see that success extend to the sports arena, too.

Jeanne d’Arc, 22, is Rwanda’s first professional female cyclist. She grew up playing soccer, basketball, and other sports and would only ride her single-speed bike to fetch water for her family. Then she watched male cyclists in the Tour du Rwanda race through her community and she decided she wanted to be able to ride like them.

Read the full article about Jeanne d’Arc Girubuntu by Bill Gates at Gates Notes.