Seven contestants are set to compete for the 2024 Miss Nasinu Carnival crown in the coming weeks. One of the participants, Vinaina Marawa, intends to use her platform to advocate against domestic violence in homes and communities.
Ms. Marawa is dedicated to addressing this critical issue during the week-long carnival. Fiji, unfortunately, has high rates of violence against women, with statistics indicating that two-thirds of women experience physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some point in their lives. Furthermore, 60 percent of women endure distressing situations at home due to a lack of support and abuse.
Representing the Nasinu Town Council, Ms. Marawa has experience in beauty pageants, having previously participated in the Hibiscus Festival Teen category at the age of 18. She views involvement in events like the Nasinu Carnival as an opportunity to serve her community with dignity and respect.
“It’s not about the clothes or looks; it’s about representing our community,” said Ms. Marawa. She is determined to focus on advocacy and promoting change at a national level during the one-week carnival.
Ms. Marawa believes that the journey of initiating change starts at home. As the eldest of eight children raised by a single mother, she recognizes the substantial responsibilities she had to shoulder. Balancing household duties with her education was challenging, yet her mother’s unwavering support made it a rewarding experience.
At this year’s Nasinu Carnival, the young advocate from Kadavu aims to leverage the platform she has to champion for meaningful change.