Shyna Lata, hailing from Labasa, is set to make a splash at the FMF Hibiscus Festival. As an admin officer at Shop N Save Supermarket in Nabua and one of the eight contestants vying for the Hibiscus Crown, she envisions the festival as a vibrant event that will bring joy to families and offer senior citizens a chance to engage in evening activities. A graduate of Fiji National University in Hospitality and Management, Shyna cherishes socializing, cooking, and making new friends.
Shyna sees the festival as an opportunity to elevate the voices of women and underscore the importance of their empowerment. She believes women are pivotal in shaping families and communities and need more representation in leadership roles, whether in companies, on boards, or within government bodies. “We must encourage our communities to vote more women into Parliament as they can foster significant changes,” she emphasizes.
Sponsored by Yue Lai Hotel, Shyna plans to use her platform to highlight women’s health and rights and share stories that shed light on the importance of educational opportunities for women. Her advocacy aligns closely with participant Shyla Prasad, who represents the Ministry of Health. Shyla’s focus includes promoting happiness, health, and peace of mind, with an emphasis on healthcare challenges such as HIV/AIDS, non-communicable diseases, and mental health, reflecting a shared thematic concern for health and wellbeing at the festival.
The Hibiscus Festival, a cultural event held at the Suva Civic Foreshore and Suva Civic Centre from August 31 to September 7, serves as a critical platform for contestants to voice important social issues. With sponsorship from FMF and Vodafone, the festival is not only a celebration but an acknowledgment of contenders like Shyna Lata and Shyla Prasad, who aim to use their participation to inspire change and community advancement. These events underscore the crucial role such festivals play in advocacy, supporting community welfare, and enhancing cultural traditions.
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