Temalesi Tuiwalese, a contestant in the FMF Hibiscus Festival, is calling for urgent attention to the rising cases of HIV and mental health issues affecting the youth in Fiji. At 20 years old and hailing from Vatukuca, Vaturova, in Cakaudrove, Vanua Levu, Tuiwalese sees the festival as an invaluable platform to raise awareness about these critical issues. Her advocacy aligns with the overarching theme of this year’s festival, which is not only about celebration but also about highlighting pressing social challenges.
Tuiwalese, who is currently studying for a Bachelor of Medicine at Fiji National University, emphasizes the need for societal involvement to address youth issues, including unemployment. “We face challenges today that are not easy, and many involve our youths, like the increasing cases of HIV and mental health issues,” she says. She believes in using the platform of the festival to give a voice to young people, ensuring that their struggles are recognized and addressed.
Having grown up in rural areas like Cakaudrove and Naitasiri, Tuiwalese appreciates the resources and opportunities she has now. Her upbringing, shaped by attending several schools due to her father’s teaching assignments, has made her value the importance of maintaining connections and understanding diverse communities.
The FMF Hibiscus Festival, along with similar festivals in Fiji, plays a significant role in providing young women the opportunity to advocate for social and health-related issues. Other festivals, such as the FMF Bula Festival in Nadi and the Vodafone Nasinu Festival, have also seen contestants addressing various concerns, including environmental conservation, mental health, drug abuse, and non-communicable diseases. These events underscore the potential of beauty pageants as platforms for meaningful advocacy, allowing participants to spotlight critical issues that resonate with the youth and the broader society.
Tuiwalese’s focus on mental health and HIV awareness is part of a larger movement seen across these festivals, where young leaders are increasingly using their platforms to push for tangible change. This movement fosters hope for a healthier future for Fiji’s population, emphasizing community engagement and collective action in tackling pressing health and social challenges.
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