Seven contestants are set to compete for the Miss Nasinu Carnival crown in the upcoming two weeks. Among the participants is Vinaina Marawa, who is determined to address the issue of domestic violence in homes and communities through her platform.
Ms. Marawa is dedicated to leveraging the week-long carnival as a means to combat this significant societal issue. Fiji faces alarming 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 lifetimes. Furthermore, 60 percent of women deal with distressing situations at home due to lack of support and abuse.
Representing the Nasinu Town Council, Ms. Marawa brings experience from beauty pageants; she was a participant in the Hibiscus Festival Teen category at just 18 years old. She sees her 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,” Ms. Marawa emphasized. She is committed to focusing on advocacy and driving national change throughout the carnival week, eager to use her voice for this important cause.
Ms. Marawa believes that meaningful change begins at home. Reflecting on her life as the eldest of eight siblings raised by a single mother, she recognizes the heavy responsibilities she carried. While balancing household duties and her studies proved challenging, her mother’s unwavering support made her journey fulfilling. At this year’s Nasinu Carnival, she plans to utilize her platform to advocate for change.