Seven contestants are set to vie for the 2024 Miss Nasinu Carnival crown in the upcoming fortnight. Among them is Vinaina Marawa, who is dedicated to advocating against domestic violence both in homes and communities. Ms. Marawa plans to leverage the week-long carnival to address this critical issue.
Fiji faces troubling statistics related to violence against women, with two-thirds of women experiencing physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some point in their lives. Additionally, 60 percent of women encounter distressing situations at home due to lack of support and abuse.
Representing the Nasinu Town Council, Ms. Marawa is not new to beauty pageants. At only 18 years old, she previously participated in the Hibiscus Festival in the Teen category. She views her participation in events like the Nasinu Carnival as an opportunity to serve the community with dignity and respect.
“It’s not about the clothes or looks; it’s about representing our community,” Ms. Marawa stated. She emphasized her commitment to advocacy and her desire to foster change at the national level, eager to amplify her voice for this important cause.
Ms. Marawa believes that change should start at home. Reflecting on her own upbringing as the eldest of eight siblings raised by a single mother, she recognizes the significant responsibilities she had to shoulder. Although balancing household duties with her studies was challenging, her mother’s unwavering support made the experience worthwhile.
At this year’s Nasinu Carnival, the young Kadavu native plans to use her platform to advocate for change.