Seven contestants are set to vie for the 2024 Miss Nasinu Carnival title in the upcoming weeks. Among the participants is Vinaina Marawa, who aims to raise awareness about domestic violence in homes and communities.
Ms. Marawa is determined to leverage the week-long carnival to address this critical social issue, particularly in light of Fiji’s troubling statistics regarding violence against women. Reports indicate that two-thirds of women in Fiji endure physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some point in their lives. Furthermore, 60 percent of women report experiencing difficulties at home due to a lack of support and abuse.
Representing the Nasinu Town Council, Ms. Marawa is no newcomer to beauty pageants. At just 18 years old, she previously competed in the Hibiscus Festival Teen category. For her, participating in events like the Nasinu Carnival is not merely about showcasing clothing or beauty; it is about embodying and representing her community with dignity and respect. “This one-week carnival I will focus on advocacy and fostering change at the national level, and I am eager to use my voice for this cause,” she stated.
Ms. Marawa believes that real change starts at home. Reflecting on her own upbringing as the eldest of eight siblings raised by a single mother, she recognizes the heavy responsibilities she had to shoulder. Despite the challenges of juggling household duties with her studies, her mother’s consistent support made her efforts worthwhile. At this year’s Nasinu Carnival, the young advocate is ready to utilize her platform to push for significant social change.