Vinaina Tabua Marawa, a resident of Nasole HART, expressed her excitement after being crowned Miss Nasinu during the 2024 Vodafone and Gavya Nasinu Festival held on Saturday. She emphasized the crucial issue of domestic violence affecting homes and communities.
Ms. Marawa was among seven contestants, marking the first Nasinu Festival in four years. She highlighted the importance of addressing domestic violence, noting the significant number of women and children impacted within local communities.
“Being crowned Miss Nasinu is a significant milestone for me; I aim to be an agent of change,” she shared. Despite a competitive environment, she credited her mother for her steadfast support throughout the competition.
The festival served as a unifying event for the Nasinu community, aiming to break down social barriers. Ms. Marawa previously participated in the Miss Hibiscus Festival’s teen category at the age of 16.
She regarded involvement in such events as an invaluable opportunity to serve with honor and respect. “The week-long festival emphasized advocacy and national change, and I am enthusiastic about using my voice for this cause,” she stated.
Believing that meaningful change starts at home, Ms. Marawa reflected on her own journey as the oldest of eight children raised by a single mother, recognizing the responsibilities that came with it. She acknowledged that balancing household duties with her education was often difficult, but her mother’s unwavering encouragement made the journey rewarding.