Seven contestants are set to compete for the title of Miss Nasinu Carnival 2024 in the upcoming fortnight. Among them is Vinaina Marawa, who aims to raise awareness about domestic violence in homes and communities.
Ms. Marawa plans to leverage the week-long carnival to address this urgent 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 during their lifetime. Moreover, 60 percent of women encounter distressing situations at home due to a lack of support and abuse.
Representing the Nasinu Town Council, Ms. Marawa is no stranger to beauty pageants, having participated in the Hibiscus Festival Teen category at just 18 years old. She views her involvement in events like the Nasinu Carnival as a chance to serve her community with dignity and respect. “It’s not about the clothes or looks; it’s about representing our community,” Ms. Marawa stated.
During the carnival, she intends to emphasize advocacy and inspire change at a national level, eager to use her voice for this important cause. Ms. Marawa believes that the journey for change starts at home, drawing from her experiences as the eldest of eight siblings raised by a single mother. She recalls balancing household responsibilities with her studies, and credits her mother’s steadfast support for making her journey fulfilling.
This year at the Nasinu Carnival, the young woman from Kadavu will use her platform to champion the cause for change.