Seven contestants are set to vie for the 2024 Miss Nasinu Carnival crown in the upcoming two weeks. Among the participants is Vinaina Marawa, who aims to use the platform to advocate for the fight against domestic violence in both homes and communities.
Ms. Marawa is dedicated to utilizing the week-long carnival to address this critical issue. Fiji faces troubling statistics regarding violence against women, with reports indicating that two-thirds of women have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some point in their lives. Furthermore, 60 percent of women encounter difficult situations within their homes due to a lack of support and abuse.
Representing the Nasinu Town Council, Ms. Marawa has a background in beauty pageants, having competed in the Hibiscus Festival Teen category at just 18 years old. She views her participation in events like the Nasinu Carnival as a way to serve her community with dignity and respect, emphasizing that it transcends mere appearances. “It’s not about the clothes or looks; it’s about representing our community,” Ms. Marawa stated.
During the upcoming carnival, she intends to focus on advocacy and driving change at the national level, expressing her eagerness to amplify her voice for this cause. Ms. Marawa believes that initiating change must begin at home.
Reflecting on her own background as the eldest of eight siblings raised by a single mother, she recognizes the significant responsibilities she undertook. Managing household duties alongside her studies was demanding, yet her mother’s steadfast support made her journey rewarding. At this year’s Nasinu Carnival, the Kadavu native plans to leverage the platform to promote advocacy for change.