The Miss Fiji Pageant is set to make a significant comeback this year after an eight-year hiatus, shining a renewed light on empowerment, cultural pride, and the evolving challenges faced by young women in today’s digital landscape.
During a recent Research Interview Judging segment, Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya delivered a heartfelt address, emphasizing the theme “Promoting Online Safety: Think Before You Click.” Tabuya commended the pageant’s historical role in honoring the beauty, talent, intelligence, and cultural heritage of Fijian women. She articulated that the pageant, as a national event, plays a pivotal role in selecting Fiji’s representative for the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, serving as a powerful advocate for empowerment while simultaneously promoting Fijian culture and women’s achievements on the international stage.
The timing of the pageant’s return is particularly significant, as it coincides with the increasing challenges of online life. With the theme “Think Before You Click,” Tabuya remarked on how critical it is to address the ongoing issues posed by digital interactions. She openly shared her own experiences with online harassment, stating, “Online abuse is no longer a rare or distant threat. It sits in our phones, follows us into our bedrooms, interrupts our peace.” Her personal encounters with digital violence were highlighted by the incident last year when hackers compromised her privacy by sharing explicit messages and images.
Emphasizing the importance of resilience, Tabuya encouraged contestants to view public scrutiny as part of their journey. She advised them to rise above online criticism regarding their appearance or personalities, stating, “Do not be swayed by the voices behind the keyboard. Write your own words, words that inspire, empower, and uplift.”
In her closing remarks, Tabuya offered a message of hope, reinforcing that while the digital landscape can pose dangers, it also has the potential to empower individuals. “Let us use it—not to shrink—but to rise, to speak, to lead, and to build a Fiji where our daughters inherit freedom, not fear,” she urged.
As the Miss Fiji Pageant unfolds at the Civic Centre this week, contestants are encouraged to embrace the experience, knowing that the relationships, confidence, and advocacy skills they develop throughout the journey far surpass any crown or title. This year’s pageant symbolizes not only the celebration of beauty and culture but also a commitment to supporting young women as they navigate the complexities of modern life.
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