Miss Social Advocacy Network Anaseini Rabuku Loiloi, a contestant in the 2025 Hibiscus Festival, has issued a heartfelt appeal to Fijian women to stop critiquing one another, following negative remarks regarding her performance during a private judging session. The comments, allegedly from two nurses, targeted her English skills and pauses during her presentation. However, Loiloi has chosen forgiveness and encouraged women to support and uplift each other.
Loiloi, who describes herself as a 27-year-old “village girl” from a humble background, is advocating for resilience in the face of cyberbullying. Her plea urged Fijian women not to undermine each other, pointing out the detrimental impact such criticism can have, especially on younger women.
Former Miss Hibiscus and pageant coordinator Alisi Rabukawaqa emphasized the training contestants receive to handle public scrutiny with dignity and grace. Rabukawaqa reinforced the message of staying grounded and offered her support, encouraging contestants to maintain authenticity amid public pressure.
Filipe Batiwale, the Online Safety Commissioner, condemned the act of cyberbullying as disgraceful and contrary to the Fijian values of love, unity, and respect. He reminded the community that freedom of expression should never harm others.
The Hibiscus Festival provides a significant platform for women like Loiloi to champion social issues and advocacy in Fiji. This year’s festival highlights a growing trend in Fijian cultural celebrations, where participants use their roles to advocate for societal change, promote community involvement, and uphold social responsibility. The festival continues to be an influential venue for emerging leaders to demonstrate advocacy and compassionate leadership, showcasing the collective power of unity in addressing social challenges.
This story illustrates the remarkable resilience required to face public criticism and highlights the transformative potential of turning such experiences into opportunities for advocacy and community leadership.