Seven contestants are gearing up to compete for the Miss Nasinu Carnival crown in the upcoming fortnight. Among them is Vinaina Marawa, who is determined to advocate against domestic violence in homes and communities.
Ms. Marawa plans to utilize the week-long carnival to address this urgent issue. Fiji faces alarmingly high rates of violence against women, with statistics indicating that two-thirds of women in the country experience physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some point in their lives. Furthermore, 60 percent of women encounter distressing situations at home due to a lack of support and abuse.
Representing the Nasinu Town Council, Ms. Marawa is no stranger to beauty pageants. At just 18 years old, she participated in the Teen category of the Hibiscus Festival. She views her participation in events like the Nasinu Carnival as a chance to serve with dignity and respect, emphasizing that it is not merely about appearances but about representing the community.
“This carnival gives me the platform to focus on advocacy and promote change at the national level, and I am eager to use my voice for this important cause,” Ms. Marawa stated. She believes that the journey toward change starts in the home.
Reflecting on her experiences as the eldest of eight siblings raised by a single mother, she recognizes the considerable responsibilities she had to shoulder. Balancing household duties with her studies was a challenge, but her mother’s steadfast support made her efforts worthwhile. During this year’s Nasinu Carnival, the Kadavu native will leverage the platform to advocate for change.