
18/04/2025
It's definitely changing
EVOLUTION
Traditionally, in many parts of Vanuatu, women weren't really encouraged to drink kava, especially in the more traditional nakamals where it was seen as a very male space.
In some islands, it was even taboo for women to drink kava at all. But nowadays, especially in places like Port Vila, Luganville, and even some rural areas, more women are drinking kava casually. You’ll see women going to nakamals (some even have "family-friendly" or mixed spaces), or having kava during social g*therings at home.
Also, there are now kava bars and events where both men and women are welcomed equally. Younger generations are much more open about it, and some women even run their own kava businesses — like selling fresh kava or operating kava bars.
Of course, it still depends a bit on local customs and the island you’re on — some communities are still very traditional about it. But overall in Vanuatu, it’s way more common today than it used to be.