NYALUAK M LETH

I’m Nyaluak Leth and I’m a South Sudanese Model, Poet, Student and Activist. My parents raised my nine siblings and I in Brisbane, Queensland after arriving from Egypt in 2003. My family and community are what drive me to succeed in all that I do, for they really did pave the beginning  of my path in life; My voice my beliefs and my empathy were first learnt at home. 

You are passionate about raising awareness of the crisis in Sudan, tell us why this is so important to you?

Coming from a country where our cries of suffering and injustice fell on deaf ears, it became really hard to want to even speak! However I learnt from my family and community that silence is the real killer of justice. I choose to speak up about issues facing my home country because the current and future generations deserve to live in a functional and just society, with equal opportunity. 

You’re passionate about using your platform to raise more awareness about diversity and inclusion both in Australia and globally. What do you think the biggest challenges are for the Australian fashion industry right now?

 I found in my University studies in Communications, that not everyone’s voice will be heard let alone prioritised by News Media. So it’s up to those who have the platform to give it to those who need it, or to speak (with permission) on behalf of those without a voice. I will continue to use my platform to advocate for the correct representation of Indigenous Australia, not just in fashion media, but at all levels. I truly believe if Australia fails to respectfully acknowledge its First Peoples, it gives leeway for the media to openly disregard and dismiss real issues facing other communities of colour. Having models from diverse backgrounds isn’t enough! Australian fashion labels need to strategically place employees of colour in the work place who can have a real say in how ideas and concepts are executed. This ensures damage control, so there is no need for an ‘apology’ to the public down the track, because the creative team took a culturally appropriate and sensitive approach.  

How has your experience been modelling in Australia?

My personal experience with Modelling in Australia has been a progressive journey. It’s been almost 3 years since moving to Sydney where I took up modelling full time. Since then I’ve had opportunities to work with established Australian and intentional clients. Most importantly for me I’ve had the chance to witness the beauty and growth in diversity that has begun to flourish here in Australia. 

What does an ideal future look like?

An ideal future for Nya, would look like we’re louder. An ideal future for Nya, would look like not having to wait for tomorrow to make the change you want to see today. I believe that the minute we humans realise that the power is in the people, but it’s in the people’s perspective. We will then really be able to realise the lies that are in front of us and see through it and actually move through all of the chaos and just be in a better place.

What does the future look like for women?

The future for women looks like God, it looks like so much compassion, so much joy, so much understanding. That is what the future has been like since day one, but it’s time for us to see what it really is, what women really are. And for the world to allow us to embrace that without being judged or cursed at for just being the gods we are.

What do you think are some of the obstacles we need to overcome to get to that ideal future?

The obstacles we need to overcome for us as a whole, is to realise that the true power lies within humanity actually uniting together. Because, if we’re constantly in this state of thinking that we’re separate, when in reality you have something that I need or I want, and I can give you something and we can always feed off each other. Come on, who wouldn’t want to be in a world where we’re just happier together. Like come on, the future is unity, allow it don’t fight it. Period.

What’s one issue or area that you’re super passionate about seeing change in the future?

Change looks like the next generation. Change is coming to the realisation that real and lasting change happens over generations. So, the children are the next thing. So our education systems and our social systems about how we look after our kids and what we teach them in schools and how we treat them at home. It starts from a place of just care. So, let’s take care of the children in any way shape or form. Let’s feed them, let’s educate them the right way. Let’s not put them in areas of deprivation. Let’s water them and just watch them grow, because they’re actually the future.

Could you share one of your poems with us that you feel is most representative of 2020?

To hone your craft, is to diligently press the heart and mind into synchronicity, expressing the balance in the imbalanced. 

To express the misunderstanding in the misunderstood.  To show that shade is merely the tint of light.                   

In actuality, it becomes the process of preserving the peace in the chaos through becoming ... Still. 

Embracing the one truth; that there is no lack. That the mere fear of imbalance in ones life, comes from the thought of lack. 

Let the observer write, create and express. Observer being the soul.        

Soul being still.                                                               

‘Still’ as in past, presently and eternally existing.

Why did you want to be part of this campaign?

This CAMILLA AND MARC campaign wasn’t just any campaign, the team created a platform where forward thinking and equally driven women could have a voice. As a pioneer in the Australian fashion industry they’ve paved a path of inclusion and true representation that should be echoed throughout the industry.

Can you complete this sentence? Just with one word or a couple of words, the future is... 

A future without labels for me would look like a future without no limits, both in the body and the mind. I personally no longer have to go around, defining myself as a black queer woman living in a patriotical society. I can just say that I am Nya and I’m just here to express and to allow creativity to fulfil me and I don’t want you to limit that. By who or what you think I am or what social status I belong to.

The future is…

The future is positive, the future is beautiful, the future is raw. The future is unity and understanding, that’s the future.

Where can our followers learn more about you, your work and the causes you support?

Currently the cause I’m working towards is raising funds for COVID-19 relief in South Sudan, more information be accessed via the link on my Instagram ( @nmmwl ) — When I’m not busy working, advocating and raising funds, I’m writing poetry and having important convocations with people who are actively becoming the change they want to see in the world.