Saving Lives And Empowering Women Through Bikes | Belen Ramirez Bourdages | Co-Founder, Project Bike Love

Belen Ramirez Bourdages is a family physician with Doctors Without Borders and the co-founder of Project Bike Love, a nonprofit providing bikes to women and girls around the world. Her work has taken her from Paraguay to South Sudan, Yemen, Nigeria, and beyond, delivering medical care where it’s needed most and creating opportunities for women to access education, work, and independence through reliable transportation. Belen shares what it’s like to serve in some of the most challenging environments on the planet, why cycling has become a tool for empowerment, and how her love for sport has opened unexpected doors. She offers a rare, personal look into the resilience, hope, and human connection that drive her work, and how anyone can make an impact, no matter where they start. Chapters: 00:00 Meet Belen Ramirez Bourdages 04:00 From Paraguay to Global Humanitarian Work 07:30 Life as a Family Physician with Doctors Without Borders 10:50 Countries That Have Shaped Her Career 14:20 Why Returning Home Can Be the Hardest Part 16:30 Founding Project Bike Love 20:10 The Power of Bikes for Women and Girls 24:00 Partnering with Local Communities for Impact 27:40 Lessons from Working Across Cultures 31:20 Women Who Inspire Her to Keep Going 35:00 Building Confidence Through Sports and Adventure 38:10 Navigating Language and Cultural Barriers 41:30 Balancing Medicine, Nonprofit Leadership, and Life 45:00 Advice for Those Who Want to Serve Globally 48:20 How to Support Project Bike Love and Get Involved The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices