‘NOT everyone can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” The words of Mother Teresa have become a guiding principle for three Sabah women whose dedication and passion continue to inspire their families and communities.
Lofina Justin Jumin, Beverley Natalie Koh and Nancy Jullok come from very different professional backgrounds. Yet they share a common belief: that when work is done with love and purpose, even small efforts can bear great fruit.
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Lofina, a retired government officer, is now pursuing her passion as an agro-entrepreneur. Beverley, a former Unduk Ngadau Zandi Tavanus beauty queen, is active in politics and community leadership. Nancy, meanwhile, has built a name for herself in the fashion industry, bringing indigenous inspirations onto international platforms.
In conjunction with International Women’s Day 2026, celebrated recently with the theme “Honouring Women, Strengthening the Nation,” the three women shared their personal journeys – stories shaped by perseverance, challenges and determination.
Despite their achievements, they remain deeply rooted in their roles as mothers, wives and homemakers, balancing professional ambitions with family responsibilities.
Lofina Justin, 62, Agro-entrepreneur
For Lofina, the love for agriculture began long before her professional career.
Growing up in a rural village, life was not always easy. Like many children in the countryside, she spent much of her time helping her parents plant rice and work in the fields. Food was sometimes scarce, and the family depended largely on what they could grow.
“I still remember going out in the evenings to pick tapioca leaves so that we could cook them for dinner,” she recalled.
“That experience taught me resilience and helped me appreciate the value of food and agriculture.”
After completing her studies, Lofina joined the civil service, where she worked for many years. Yet the desire to return to farming never faded.
When she retired, she finally found the opportunity to reconnect with her roots.
“I started growing vegetables around the house for our family. Slowly it became something more meaningful,” she said.
“What began as a hobby eventually grew into a small business where I could stay active and share fresh produce with others.”
Lofina is also encouraged by the government’s “Kebun Tepi Rumah” initiative, which promotes home gardening as a way to strengthen food security and sustainable living.
Today, she manages a small vegetable-growing enterprise around her home.
But farming comes with its own uncertainties.
Recently, heavy floods in Penampang affected several of her farming plots in Kampung Kolopis.
“Challenges like this teach patience, resilience and the importance of adapting,” she said.
Still, she remains optimistic.
“As a small entrepreneur, I hope to inspire other women not to be afraid to start small,” she said.
“Whether it’s gardening, starting a business or learning a new skill — every step builds confidence and independence.”
She compares empowerment to planting seeds.
“It takes time, care and patience. But when women are given support and opportunities, they can grow strong and bring meaningful change to their families and communities.”
Beverley Natalie Koh, 43, Community leader and politician
For Beverley, leadership is about representing the voices of women and communities.
Her journey into politics began with a desire to see more women stepping forward in leadership roles.
Along the way, she has also been involved in various community organisations and women’s development initiatives, experiences that helped her better understand the challenges women face at the grassroots level.
“My involvement is not only focused on politics,” she explained.
“It is also about strengthening women’s leadership, community development and fighting for fairer opportunities for everyone in Sabah.”
Beverley, who once held the title of Unduk Ngadau Zandi Tavanus for Papar, believes politics is a powerful platform for advocating inclusive development.
She noted that Sabah has made encouraging progress in recent years, with more women stepping into leadership roles in business, community organisations and politics.
Still, challenges remain.
“Women in Sabah are very capable and resilient,” she said.
“But many still face barriers such as limited access to leadership platforms, financial resources and mentorship.”
She believes empowering women, particularly those from the Kadazan-Dusun-Murut-Rungus (KDMR) communities, requires several key strategies.
“First, education and skills development so women have the confidence and ability to compete in different fields,” she said.
“Second, stronger support for women entrepreneurs through financing opportunities, business training and marketing networks.”
Beverley contested in the Kawang state constituency during last year’s state election under the Star Party ticket. Although she did not win, the experience strengthened her resolve.
“It taught me valuable lessons and helped me understand how to plan more strategically if I contest again in the future.”
Nancy Jullok, 47, Fashion designer
Nancy has carved a name for herself in the fashion industry by blending contemporary designs with indigenous inspirations.
Her fashion label, P’LO, incorporates ethnic motifs into modern clothing designs ranging from classic styles to glamorous couture pieces.
“My designs are inspired by spiritual beliefs and the idea that unseen forces can influence human life,” she said.
“At the same time, people appreciate designs that are well-made and durable.”
Nancy’s work has reached international platforms, including shows in New York, the Qatar International Art Festival, Riau Fashion Week in Indonesia and several fashion events across Malaysia.
Her achievements have also been recognised by organisations such as the Malaysian Official Designers Association (Moda), International Fashion Hall and the Asian Designer Guild.
The Kepayan-born designer has received numerous accolades, including the Best Designer Award in Qatar and several Best Design awards during Malaysia Day celebrations at fashion events in New York.
One of her proudest recognitions came in 2025 when she won Best Men’s Design at the Malaysian Shoe Designer Competition and was later named winner of the Creative Women’s Shoe category in Guangzhou, China.
But for Nancy, fashion is more than aesthetics.
“The heart of my designs is to empower the Kadazan-Dusun, Murut and Rungus communities,” she said.
By drawing inspiration from their traditions and motifs, she hopes to preserve cultural heritage while also creating economic opportunities.
Nancy also believes cultural empowerment can happen through education and community initiatives.
“This includes documenting and promoting our languages, traditions and arts through workshops, language classes or cultural festivals.”
Like many women in leadership, she acknowledges that success comes with challenges.
“Women often face societal expectations and gender bias, including discrimination in the workplace,” she said.
“But these challenges also make us stronger.”
Strength Through Purpose
Although their careers differ – from agriculture to politics and fashion – the stories of Lofina, Beverley and Nancy share a common thread.
Each has chosen to pursue her passion while uplifting others.
Their journeys reflect a simple but powerful truth: that meaningful change often begins with small acts carried out with dedication and love.
Just as the words of Mother Teresa remind us, greatness does not always come from grand gestures.
Sometimes, it grows quietly – like a seed planted with care – and blossoms into something that benefits an entire community.
