Women’s History Month Tribute: Dr. Jane Goodall (1934–2025)
As we mark Women’s History Month, we pause to honour the life and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall, who passed away on October 1, 2025, at the age of 91.
Her work transformed how we understand animals, nature, and the power of empathy, and her words continue to resonate with the mentors and youth we support.
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
From a young age, Jane dreamed of adventures that were unconventional for girls at the time. With her mother’s encouragement, she pursued her passion for animals and went on to become one of the world’s most influential primatologists.
Moments That Define a Life
Jane’s groundbreaking observations in Gombe, Tanzania, revealed that chimpanzees have personalities, emotions, and intelligence. She challenged scientific norms, insisting that empathy and care were essential in understanding the natural world.
Her journey was not without barriers. In a male-dominated field, Jane was dismissed for her appearance and criticized for naming chimpanzees instead of numbering them. She refused to conform, proving that patience, empathy, and observation—qualities often undervalued in women—were strengths that reshaped science.
“It actually doesn’t take much to be considered a difficult woman. That’s why there are so many of us.”
Her resilience echoes what we see in mentorship: the courage to challenge expectations, the strength to stand firm in your values, and the importance of being seen and heard for who you are.
Why Her Story Matters
To Jane, leadership and mentorship were inseparable from compassion. She believed that every person has a role to play and can make a difference:
“Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.”
At Big Sisters, we know how important it is for girls and gender-diverse youth to have mentors who encourage them to dream beyond limitations. Like Jane’s mother, mentors remind young people that their voice and vision matter, even when society tells them otherwise.
Jane’s story also underscores why representation matters: when youth can see role models who look like them, share their experiences, and break barriers, they can imagine new possibilities for themselves.
A Lasting Inspiration
Dr. Jane Goodall’s life reminds us that courage, empathy, and perseverance can break barriers. Her legacy encourages mentors and mentees alike to nurture curiosity, show empathy, and empower one another to reach their full potential.
“Let us develop respect for all living things. Let us try to replace violence and intolerance with understanding and compassion. And love.”
Her dedication to caring, teaching, and inspiring change reflects the very spirit of mentorship at Big Sisters, where every connection can shape a young person’s life.
Learn More About Mentorship
Jane’s story is a powerful reminder that guidance, support, and belief in potential can leave a lifelong impact. To discover how you can support youth as a mentor with Big Sisters, visit: https://www.bigsisters.bc.ca/become-a-volunteer-mentor/ or contact us at info@bigsisters.bc.ca.