The newly crowned Hibiscus Queen, Ryhelle Aisea, is embarking on a mission to foster inclusivity following her triumph at the Hibiscus Festival. Aisea, serving as the National Fire Authority representative, enjoyed a celebratory morning with her fellow contestants at the Holiday Inn in Suva, where they received prizes and gifts.
Aisea, buoyed by the support from both local communities and the Fijian diaspora abroad, expressed gratitude despite the online bullying she encountered after winning the Best Traditional Attire award during Fijian Night. She deactivated her social media accounts to shield herself from negative comments, which she found hurtful, acknowledging that not everyone understood the cultural celebration of traditional attire.
“The idea was to honor the craftsmanship of the outfits and highlight the presentation, but some focused too narrowly on the term ‘iTaukei Night,’” Aisea explained. Recognizing the disparity in opinions, she chose to focus on the overwhelming positive support she received, demonstrating resilience in the face of criticism.
With guidance from her parents, Michael and Zinny Aisea, Ryhelle learned to navigate these challenges. Her father supported her decision to deactivate social media to maintain focus, while her mother reiterated the importance of accepting diverse opinions under the principles of freedom of speech.
Ryhelle joins a legacy of past pageant participants who have used the platform to drive social change, much like Melania Tora did during her reign as Miss Hibiscus 2024. Both have taken strides to address vital societal needs, leveraging their roles to advocate for marginalized communities.
In the coming year, Aisea will use her position to further inclusivity conversations and build awareness around the broad scope of activities performed by the National Fire Authority, extending beyond firefighting to include emergency medical services and public education.
This narrative of using pageantry as a springboard for advocacy demonstrates the event’s potential beyond its celebratory nature, posing it as a conduit for social impact and personal growth. Ryhelle’s choice to remain positive and focus on the backing she receives from supporters sets a hopeful precedent for handling future challenges with grace and determination.