A contestant in the 2025 Hibiscus Festival, Miss Social Advocacy Network Anaseini Rabuku Loiloi, has called on Fijian women to cease criticizing each other in a public appeal following negative feedback on her performance during a private judging session. Two women, allegedly nurses, critiqued her English and the pauses during her presentation, but Loiloi expressed forgiveness, encouraging women to uplift one another.
Loiloi, a 27-year-old “village girl” from a family of modest means, emphasized resilience against cyberbullying. She appealed to fellow Fijian women to refrain from bringing others down and highlighted the potential adverse effects of such criticism on younger women.
Alisi Rabukawaqa, a former Miss Hibiscus and current pageant coordinator, noted that contestants are trained to handle public scrutiny with dignity. Rabukawaqa underscored the importance of remaining grounded amidst public pressure, affirming her support to contestants so that they stay true to themselves.
Online Safety Commissioner Filipe Batiwale condemned the cyberbullying incident, labeling it as disgraceful and contrary to Fijian cultural values of love, unity, and respect. He reminded the community that freedom of expression should not be used to harm others.
The Hibiscus Festival serves as a platform for women like Loiloi to champion social issues, using her role to advocate for women and youth in Fiji. This year’s event reflects a broader trend within Fiji’s cultural celebrations, where participants leverage their platforms to advocate for change and foster community involvement and social responsibility. Through such efforts, the festival remains an essential avenue for rising leaders to promote advocacy and compassionate leadership, demonstrating the power of unity in tackling societal challenges.