Ryhelle Aisea, the newly crowned Hibiscus Queen, is dedicated to advancing inclusivity following her recent win at the Hibiscus Festival. Representing the National Fire Authority, she celebrated alongside fellow contestants at the Holiday Inn in Suva, acknowledging their support with prizes and gifts.
Despite encountering online bullying after winning the Best Traditional Attire award at Fijian Night, Aisea remains grateful for the encouragement she has received from local and international communities. To protect herself from negative comments, she chose to deactivate her social media accounts. Aisea explained that the intention behind the traditional attire was to honor craftsmanship and presentation, although some criticisms fixated on the specifics of ‘iTaukei Night.’
With resilience, she is opting to focus on the positive support she has received. Guided by her parents, Michael and Zinny Aisea, Ryhelle has learned to manage adversity. Her father endorsed her decision to step away from social media, while her mother stressed the significance of respecting diverse opinions.
Ryhelle follows in the footsteps of previous pageant participants who have utilized their platforms for social change, akin to Melania Tora’s impactful time as Miss Hibiscus 2024. Both women have advocated for marginalized groups, using their roles to highlight societal challenges.
Over the next year, Aisea will champion inclusivity and aim to increase awareness about the National Fire Authority’s comprehensive role, which extends beyond firefighting to encompass emergency medical services and public education.
This use of pageantry as a platform for advocacy underscores the potential for events to drive social impact and foster personal development. Ryhelle Aisea’s decision to focus on the encouragement she receives and maintain positivity sets a hopeful example of grace and determination in overcoming challenges.