Vinaina Marawa aims to leverage the Miss Nasinu Festival as a platform to promote discussions and empower women to escape the cycle of violence. The 22-year-old from Kadavu has experienced the damaging effects of domestic violence firsthand.
“I witnessed my mom in an abusive relationship, and my mom left my dad because of that,” Ms. Marawa shared. As the eldest of seven siblings with a single mother, she felt a strong sense of responsibility, which led her to prioritize work over furthering her education after high school.
Ms. Marawa believes that pageantry is about more than just competition; it fosters connections among participants. “I want to be a role model not only for my siblings but for my community as well,” she stated.
She is among seven contestants competing for the Miss Vodafone Nasinu Festival 2024 title, with the event scheduled to take place from August 24 to August 31.