Seven contestants are set to compete for the 2024 Miss Nasinu Carnival title in the coming fortnight. Among them is Vinaina Marawa, who aims to raise awareness about the fight against domestic violence in homes and communities.
Ms. Marawa is dedicated to using the week-long carnival as a platform to address this critical issue. Fiji faces alarming rates of violence against women, with statistics indicating that two-thirds of women have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some point in their lives. Furthermore, 60 percent of women encounter distressing situations at home due to lack of support and abuse.
Representing the Nasinu Town Council, Ms. Marawa is no stranger to beauty pageants. At just 18 years old, she previously competed in the Hibiscus Festival Teen category. She views her participation in events like the Nasinu Carnival as an opportunity to serve her community with dignity and respect. “It’s not about the clothes or looks; it’s about representing our community,” Ms. Marawa remarked. She emphasized that during the carnival, she intends to focus on advocacy and driving national change, expressing her eagerness to use her voice for this cause.
Ms. Marawa believes that change must begin at home. As the eldest of eight siblings raised by a single mother, she reflects on the significant responsibilities she had to shoulder. Balancing household tasks with her education proved challenging, but her mother’s steadfast support made her journey worthwhile. At this year’s Nasinu Carnival, the Kadavu native plans to leverage the platform to advocate for meaningful change.