Seven contestants are set to compete for the Miss Nasinu Carnival crown in the upcoming two weeks. Among the participants is Vinaina Marawa, who intends to raise awareness about domestic violence in homes and communities.
Ms. Marawa is dedicated to using the week-long carnival to address this urgent issue. Fiji has notably high rates of violence against women, with statistics indicating that two-thirds of women in the country experience physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some point in their lives. Furthermore, 60 percent of women endure difficult situations at home due to a lack of support and abuse.
Representing the Nasinu Town Council, Ms. Marawa has experience in beauty pageants, having competed at just 18 years old in the Hibiscus Festival Teen category. She sees her participation 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 emphasized.
During this carnival, she plans to concentrate on advocacy and promoting change at the national level, expressing her eagerness to use her voice for this important cause. Ms. Marawa believes that meaningful change starts at home.
Reflecting on her upbringing as the oldest of eight siblings raised by a single mother, she recognizes the considerable responsibilities she had to shoulder. Balancing household chores with her studies was not easy, but her mother’s steadfast support made her efforts rewarding. At this year’s Nasinu Carnival, the Kadavu native will leverage this platform to advocate for change.