The Miss Fiji Pageant took a significant turn yesterday, as contestants convened at the Suva City Council chambers for the official launch of a research presentation program that specializes in showcasing their intellect, resilience, and awareness of pressing national issues rather than just beauty. The main event of the pageant is slated for December 10–13, but this early session has already marked a pivotal moment in the competition.
The presentations were centered around the theme “Promoting Online Safety – Think Before You Click,” emphasizing the importance of digital responsibility in today’s society. Information Minister Lynda Tabuya opened the program with a heartfelt address, sharing her own experiences with online abuse and personal challenges. She encouraged the contestants to focus on resilience and influence over titles, stating, “Titles can be taken, but impact cannot.”
Among the participants, Miss Nadi, Alumeci Davu, passionately advocated for community-based tourism, arguing that such initiatives could enhance the lives of rural communities while protecting the environment and preserving cultural heritage. In another powerful presentation, Miss Nausori, Bernadeta Waqavanua, called attention to the need for equality in sports, pushing for companies to equally fund women’s teams alongside men’s.
Miss Labasa, Peggy Ravusiro, highlighted women’s political leadership, urging a shift towards shared leadership that reflects the already collaborative nature of many Fijian households. Her focus was on mentorship within political parties as a way of boosting female participation.
Issues surrounding disability rights were also addressed, with Miss Lautoka, Lebaiwasa WakaWaka, calling for a paradigm shift from sympathy to empowerment, emphasizing that inclusive policies could not only serve as a moral obligation but also represent an economic opportunity for Fiji.
Additionally, several contestants shed light on the vulnerabilities faced by Fiji’s youth in the digital realm. Miss Rakiraki, Shrdha Mala, a nurse, raised concerns about the country’s escalating drug crisis intensified by online content, suggesting a mixed approach of community awareness programs and mobile mental health teams.
Miss Nasinu, Ailava Samuels, presented plans for community-based cyber safety initiatives, calling for an ethical digital culture rooted in kindness and respect. Meanwhile, Miss Suva, Rhyelle Aisea, forcefully addressed image-based abuse and the urgent need for legal reforms to protect consent. Lastly, Miss Tavua, Sera Kiawe, emphasized the importance of digital literacy, proposing school programs that empower students and challenge detrimental beauty standards.
The research presentations highlighted a generation of young women who are not only acutely aware of social issues but are also unafraid to voice their convictions. They presented policy-driven solutions that resonate with Fijian values of trust, respect, and community. As they continue through the pageant’s final events, it’s evident that the ideas and awareness shared will contribute positively to Fijian society, positioning these young leaders as advocates and builders of the nation’s future. The Miss Fiji Pageant has transformed into a platform for dialogue, with the meaningful insights shared belonging to every Fijian home.
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