Vinaina Tabua Marawa, a resident of Nasole HART, celebrated her victory as Miss Nasinu during the 2024 Vodafone and Gavya Nasinu Festival on Saturday. She used the platform to highlight the critical issue of domestic violence affecting homes and communities.
Marawa was one of seven contestants in the competition, which marked the return of the Nasinu Festival after a four-year hiatus. She emphasized the importance of addressing domestic violence, pointing to the alarming number of women and children affected in local areas.
“Winning the Miss Nasinu crown is a significant milestone in my journey to become an agent for change,” Marawa stated. She expressed gratitude for her mother’s support throughout the competition, noting the challenges she faced from the other contestants.
The festival served as a unifying event for the Nasinu community, aimed at breaking barriers. Marawa, who previously participated in the Miss Hibiscus Festival’s teen category at the age of 16, views involvement in such events as an opportunity to serve with dignity and respect.
“The one-week festival centered on advocacy and enacting change at a national level, and I am enthusiastic about using my voice for this cause,” she declared.
Marawa believes that initiating change starts at home. As the eldest of eight siblings raised by a single mother, she reflected on her significant responsibilities. Despite the difficulties of managing household tasks alongside her studies, she credited her mother’s steadfast support as a crucial element in her journey.