Cases of violence against women and girls encouraged Delilah Vosa to be part of the Digicel Duavata Northern Crime Prevention Carnival at Subrail Park in Labasa.

Sponsored by LICI, the 16-year-old Lauan teenager with maternal links to Kadavu Island was jubilant when she was crowned Miss Teen on Friday night.

Delilah was  among the four contestants in this category.

The Shiri Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Year 11 student has urged young girls and boys to participate in this carnival next year so they can use the platform to advocate on various issues.

“I was able to raise my voice and opinion on the need to stop violence against women and girls,” the eldest of five siblings said.

“They are human beings like men and deserve to be treated with respect, love, and be cared for and appreciated for what they do for their families.”

Delilah noted that there were a few who chose to remain silent due to lack of education, fear of what society will think and their reputation.

And some women who think about their children’s future are forced to stay in abusive relationships.

She thanked her parents, siblings, sponsor and friends for their support in the week-long carnival.

The Miss Teen runner up was Miss Banana Leaf Restaurant Esther Naisorotabua.

Edited by Percy Kean

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