Vinaina Tabua Marawa, a resident of Nasole HART, expressed her excitement after being named Miss Nasinu at the conclusion of the 2024 Vodafone and Gavya Nasinu Festival on Saturday. She used the platform to advocate for homes and communities affected by domestic violence.
Marawa was one of seven contestants participating in the festival, which had not taken place for four years. She emphasized the pressing need to address domestic violence, noting the high number of women and children impacted by it in local communities.
“Being crowned Miss Nasinu is a stepping stone toward fulfilling my goal of becoming an agent for change,” Marawa stated. “While the competition was challenging, I am grateful to my mother for her support throughout.”
The festival served as a unifying event for the Nasinu community, fostering connections and breaking down barriers. Marawa previously participated in the Miss Hibiscus Festival’s teen category when she was 16, and she views events like the Nasinu Festival as important opportunities to serve with dignity and respect.
“The week-long festival emphasized advocacy and igniting change at the national level, and I am eager to use my voice for this purpose,” she said. Marawa believes that real change starts at home. As the eldest of eight siblings raised by a single mother, she reflected on the considerable responsibilities she carried.
She acknowledged the difficulty of balancing household responsibilities with her education, but her mother’s steadfast support made her journey worthwhile.