Seven contestants will vie for the title of Miss Nasinu Carnival 2024 in the coming weeks. Among them is Vinaina Marawa, who aims to raise awareness about the fight against domestic violence in homes and communities.
Ms. Marawa is determined to utilize the upcoming week-long carnival to address this urgent issue. Fiji faces disturbingly 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 encounter distressing situations in their homes due to a lack of support and abuse.
Representing the Nasinu Town Council, Ms. Marawa is well-acquainted with beauty pageants. At just 18 years old, she previously participated in the Hibiscus Festival Teen category. She views events like the Nasinu Carnival as a chance to serve her community with dignity and respect, emphasizing that it is not merely about appearances.
“This week-long carnival will be focused on advocacy and fostering change on a national level, and I am eager to use my voice for this cause,” Ms. Marawa stated. She believes that meaningful change begins at home.
Reflecting on her experiences as the eldest of eight siblings raised by a single mother, she recognizes the significant responsibilities that came with her role. While balancing household tasks and her education was challenging, her mother’s unwavering support made the journey fulfilling.
During this year’s Nasinu Carnival, the young woman from Kadavu intends to leverage her platform to advocate for change.