Vinaina Tabua Marawa, a resident of Nasole HART, expressed her excitement after being named Miss Nasinu during the 2024 Vodafone and Gavya Nasinu Festival held on Saturday.
Marawa focused her advocacy on the pressing issue of domestic violence affecting homes and communities. She was among seven contestants in this festival, which last took place four years ago.
In her acceptance speech, Marawa emphasized the importance of addressing domestic violence, citing the alarming rates of women and children suffering from such abuse in local neighborhoods. “Winning the Miss Nasinu Crown is a significant step towards my goal of becoming an agent for change,” she stated. She also acknowledged the challenges of the competition while expressing gratitude to her mother for her steadfast support.
Marawa highlighted that the festival aimed to unite the Nasinu community and foster connections. She previously participated in the teen category of the Miss Hibiscus Festival when she was just 16, stating that events like the Nasinu Festival provide a meaningful platform to advocate with dignity and respect.
The week-long festival concentrated on advocacy and promoting change at a national level, which has inspired her to use her voice effectively. Marawa believes that the journey toward change starts at home, recalling her experiences as the eldest of eight siblings raised by a single mother, which came with substantial responsibilities.
She admitted that juggling household duties with her education was difficult, but noted that her mother’s unwavering support made the experience rewarding.