Ms Kau began the journey back to her homeland in December, aiming to provide support for people she left behind when she fled the war torn-country in search of a better life.
A snapshot of Ms Kau’s life was part of Women in Harmony, an emotional documentary that paid tribute to the strength and endurance of women.
The film, directed by Yarraville resident Sarah Tartakover, was launched to a large audience at the Sun Theatre.
Ms Kau said it was important to share the stories and acknowledge the people who had lost their lives in conflict. She said more than 2.5 million Sudanese had been killed during the civil war and millions more had been displaced.
Ms Kau and her family fled the conflict and lived for many years in Kakuma, a bush refugee camp in Kenya – but the Deer Park resident said her life had now turned around.
“I live in peace. It is better here. It is a good country; I love it,” she said.
Ms Tartakover’s film also provided a window into the lives of Nan Myat Kyaw, a Karen from the Thai-Burma border, and Victoria University lecturer Mary Weaven.
The stories from three different cultures sent a thought-provoking message of peace and resilience.
Mrs Myat Kyaw’s story identified the need for peace for her native Karen people after years of persecution at the hands of the government. She was also forced from her life as a teacher and spent many years in fear.
“This was an important chance. Our Karen people don’t have the chance to speak out. We have many stories to tell,” she said.
Mrs Weaven’s story was a different tale of cultural change and acceptance – the journey she took to adopt three siblings from Ethiopia.
She said it was not only important to tell stories, but also important to give people a chance to listen.
Women in Harmony was funded by the Victorian Multicultural Commission with the support of the Yarraville Community Centre. It will be screened again at the Sun Theatre next month.
