Miss Hibiscus urges women to join festival

Reigning Miss Hibiscus, Jessica Fong, has called on young women to step up and participate in this year’s Hibiscus Festival.

The festival is from August 31 to September 7 at the Suva Foreshore and Ratu Sukuna Park.

As Fiji grapples with significant social challenges, including a major drug bust and rising HIV cases, Ms Fong emphasised the importance of youth engagement in tackling these issues.

After a five-year hiatus, the Hibiscus Festival, often referred to as the “mother of all festivals,” is making a grand return, poised to be a powerful platform for advocacy and change.

Ms Fong, who has been a steadfast advocate over the past five years, believes this year’s festival will inspire and energise the community.

“What I’m most looking forward to at this year’s festival is the advocacy messages from the queen contestants and how they will act as agents of change within their communities,” she said.

“I know every contestant vying for the crown will do an excellent job.”

Since its inception in the 1950s, the Hibiscus Festival has been a cornerstone for advocacy.

“It’s not just about the looks,” Ms Fong remarked. The main focus is on delivering key messages to the audience, which is crucial.”

Meanwhile, Mai TV has secured the rights to live broadcast the Hibiscus Festival, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hibiscus Festival Standing Committee.

Mai TV chief executive officer, Raijieli Vulaono, said it was looking forward to helping restore the elegance, creativity, and beauty that the Hibiscus Festival is known for in Fiji, especially after a five-year lapse.

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