Vinaina Tabua Marawa, a resident of Nasole HART, expressed her delight after being crowned Miss Nasinu during the 2024 Vodafone and Gavya Nasinu Festival on Saturday. She used the occasion to highlight the pressing issue of domestic violence in homes and communities.
Marawa was among seven contestants participating in the festival, which had not been held for four years. She emphasized the importance of addressing domestic violence, citing the alarming number of women and children affected within local communities.
“Being crowned Miss Nasinu is a significant step towards achieving my goal of becoming an agent for change,” said Marawa. She acknowledged the tough competition and expressed gratitude to her mother for her constant support throughout the event.
The festival was seen as a unifying event for the Nasinu community, aimed at breaking down barriers. Marawa also has experience as a participant in the Miss Hibiscus Festival’s teen category when she was just 16 years old.
She views participation in such events as a precious opportunity to serve with dignity and respect. “The week-long festival focused on advocacy and promoting change at the national level, and I am eager to use my voice for this cause,” she added.
Marawa believes that change starts at home. As the oldest of eight siblings raised by a single mother, she reflected on the significant responsibilities she carried. Although balancing household duties and her studies was challenging, she credited her mother’s unwavering support for making her journey fulfilling.