Seven contestants are set to vie for the 2024 Miss Nasinu Carnival title in the coming fortnight. One of the participants, Vinaina Marawa, aims to highlight the fight against domestic violence in homes and communities. Ms. Marawa intends to use the week-long carnival as a platform to address this critical issue.
Fiji is facing alarmingly 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 during their lifetime. Furthermore, 60 percent of women encounter distressing situations at home due to a lack of support and ongoing abuse.
Representing the Nasinu Town Council, Ms. Marawa, who is no stranger to beauty pageants, previously competed in the Teen category of the Hibiscus Festival at the age of 18. She considers 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,” she stated.
During the carnival, she plans to focus on advocacy and promoting change at the national level, expressing enthusiasm for using her voice to support this cause. Ms. Marawa believes that change must start at home. As the eldest of eight siblings raised by a single mother, she reflects on the considerable responsibilities she has shouldered. Balancing household duties with her education was challenging, yet her mother’s steadfast support made her journey fulfilling.
This year, at the Nasinu Carnival, the young woman from Kadavu will utilize her platform to advocate for meaningful change.