Long before she was advocating for refugee and migrant women just like herself, Rosemary was a survivor like no other.
As a child, she survived the first of many predators in her home. As a teen, she survived the first of three infant losses.
In her 20s, she survived years of domestic violence. In her 30s, she survived political unrest and tribal clashes that brought a hammer crashing down on her head.
But what makes Rosemary’s journey so remarkable is not just how she survived, but also how she came to find joy – an infectious joy that she has gone on to share with countless others. From her tough childhood in Kenya, taking care of her 15 siblings, to becoming the 2021 Australian of the Year Local Hero through her work as a multicultural community liaison officer for the police in western Sydney – ‘A Joyful Life’ has it all.
Raw, direct and filled with Rosemary’s warmth and humour, ‘A Joyful Life’ shows how in the face of incredible hardship, kindness to ourselves and to others can allow us to regain our internal strength and ultimately become the writer of our own life story.
Rosemary said she wrote the book to empower others since you can’t change what has happened but you can change what’s ahead.
“Despite what has happened to me, these people didn’t define me,” she said.
“I still stand tall and full of joy because they didn’t stop me from doing what I do best, empowering other women.
“Don’t let anything pull you down. You were born to be happy so be happy.”
Bookings are essential at the free author talk on Monday, June 19, 6-8pm: eventbrite.com.au.
