Vinaina Tabua Marawa, a resident of Nasole HART, expressed her happiness after being named Miss Nasinu during the 2024 Vodafone and Gavya Nasinu Festival held on Saturday.
In her role, she plans to focus on raising awareness about domestic violence, highlighting the significant impact it has on homes and communities. Marawa was among seven contestants participating in the event, which was the first Nasinu Festival to take place in four years.
“I see being crowned Miss Nasinu as a stepping stone towards my goal of being an agent for change,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of addressing domestic violence, a prevailing issue affecting many women and children in local areas.
Despite the tough competition, she expressed her gratitude to her mother for her support throughout the process. Marawa highlighted how the festival united the Nasinu community, aiming to break down social barriers.
Previously, she had competed in the teen category of the Miss Hibiscus Festival at the age of 16. She views her participation in events like the Nasinu Festival as a valuable chance to serve her community with dignity and respect.
“The week-long festival emphasized advocacy and fostering change at the national level, and I am eager to use my voice for this cause,” she remarked. Reflecting on her upbringing as the eldest of eight siblings raised by a single mother, she acknowledged the considerable responsibilities she faced but credited her mother’s steadfast support for making her journey fulfilling.