Vinaina Tabua Marawa, a resident of Nasole HART, expressed her excitement after being crowned Miss Nasinu at the 2024 Vodafone and Gavya Nasinu Festival on Saturday.
Marawa used her platform to raise awareness about the pressing issue of domestic violence affecting homes and communities. Among the seven contestants, she stood out, especially since the last Nasinu Festival took place four years ago.
In her victory speech, Ms. Marawa emphasized the importance of addressing domestic violence due to the alarming number of women and children enduring its effects in local communities. “Winning the Miss Nasinu title is a significant step towards my goal of becoming an agent for change,” she stated. She expressed her gratitude to her mother for her constant support throughout the competition.
The festival successfully united the Nasinu community, promoting the idea of breaking down barriers. Ms. Marawa previously competed in the teen category of the Miss Hibiscus Festival at the age of 16. She noted that participating in such events is a valuable chance to serve with dignity and respect.
The weeklong festival aimed at advocating for change on a national scale, and Ms. Marawa is eager to use her voice for this important cause. She believes that change must begin at home, a principle she understands well as the oldest of eight siblings raised by a single mother. Although balancing household responsibilities with her education was challenging, she credits her mother’s steadfast support for making her journey possible.