Maria Ali, a 19-year-old mathematics and official statistics student at the University of the South Pacific, is taking part in the FMF Hibiscus Festival 2025 as Miss Merchant Finance. Her participation is motivated by a desire to increase awareness of mental health struggles faced by youth and women, an issue she has personally experienced.
In 2021, Maria faced depression and anxiety triggered by her parents’ separation, leading her through a challenging period marked by feelings of loss and a contemplation of giving up. However, as an elder sibling, she found strength in the responsibility she felt to support her sisters, motivating her to fight for a better future. This personal journey has fueled her advocacy, aiming to use her platform at the festival to inspire others facing similar challenges.
Maria’s message to those struggling with mental health is one of hope and resilience, emphasizing that “there is always light at the end of the tunnel” and encouraging individuals to persevere through their darkest times. Her advocacy underscores that healing and growth are possible, aiming to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Apart from her engagement in mental health activism, Maria is deeply committed to her studies. She finds purpose and pride in her passion for mathematics, a subject that brings focus and achievement to her academic life. Her advice to others is imbued with encouragement to face challenges head-on, assuring that taking risks and doing one’s best is a mark of courage, regardless of the outcome.
Maria’s efforts echo a broader movement within Fiji’s festival community, where young leaders are increasingly using their platforms to advocate for mental health awareness and other social issues. The previous year’s Miss Hibiscus, Melania Tora, also championed mental health and sought to support marginalized populations, highlighting the growing role of festivals as catalysts for social change.
As the Hibiscus Festival approaches, Maria is prepared and determined to use this stage to advocate for greater openness and strength in tackling mental health issues. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that with support and resilience, mental health challenges can be navigated successfully.
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