Vinaina Tabua Marawa from Nasole HART expressed her excitement after being crowned Miss Nasinu during the 2024 Vodafone and Gavya Nasinu Festival held on Saturday. In her advocacy, she focused on the issue of domestic violence affecting homes and communities.
Marawa, who was one of seven contestants, highlighted that the last Nasinu Festival took place four years ago. She emphasized the need for increased attention on domestic violence, citing the significant number of women and children affected within local communities.
“Winning the Miss Nasinu crown is a stepping stone for me; it allows me to be an agent for change,” said Marawa. She acknowledged the competitive nature of the event and expressed gratitude to her mother for her support throughout the competition.
The festival served as a unifying event for the Nasinu community, aiming to break barriers and promote advocacy. Marawa had previously participated in the teenage category of the Miss Hibiscus Festival at the age of 16.
She sees engagement in events like the Nasinu Festival as a chance to serve with integrity and dignity. “The week-long festival centered on advocacy and fostering change at the national level, and I am eager to use my voice for this cause,” she stated.
Marawa believes that change starts at home. As the eldest of eight siblings raised by a single mother, she acknowledged the challenges of balancing household responsibilities with her education, attributing her perseverance to her mother’s steadfast support.