Miss Daulomani Plant Hire, Nitika Ayoshna Shankar is contesting the Vodafone Millennium Sinu Festival this year to build her confidence.

The 24-year-old wanted to do something for herself and she believes that through the festival she will achieve that.

The former Saraswati College student is one of the six Queen contestants vying for the crown on Saturday.

“My parents encouraged me to join as a Queen contestant when I told them. I am someone who lacks confidence and I hope that through this festival I would be able to be confident and outspoken,” Miss Shankar said.

“No one in my family has ever taken part in any festival so I am the first. I am lucky that my parents are supportive of me.

“I hope that when this festival ends it will be a brand-new me. I hope to learn a lot in the one week and no matter the outcome I hope to be more confident in myself.”

The Naitasiri native will be advocating “Women Empowerment”.

“I chose women empowerment- A woman is the full circle and within her is the power to create, nurture and transform because today’s mentality is women have a lower status than men. So, I want to empower women out there so that it will reduce many issues like abuse against women,” Miss Shankar said.

“I believe that women can do anything no matter how difficult it may be. I believe that we need to empower women so that they can stand up for themselves when they are being bullied, assaulted or raped.

“I believe that through Vodafone Millennium Sinu Festival I will be able to raise awareness and spread the message to everyone who will be attending the festival.”

Miss Shankar’s advice is that at the end of the day it is about how you come out and influence people.

Edited by Susana Tuilau

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