Fiji is undergoing rapid urbanization. Over fifty percent of Fiji’s population has
moved from traditional villages to the city. Changes in lifestyle associated with urbanization
bring challenges to traditional Fijian values and ways of life. The occurrence of menarche
ceremonies in Fiji is a lens by which to explore the implications of these social changes on Fijian
women. Inductive interviews with sixteen Fijian women reveal that birth order, proximity to
home villages, and maternal agency are three general factors that determine the occurrence of
menarche ceremonies. Education is also identified as an impacting force on first menstruation
events in Fiji, and reinforces the social changes occurring with urbanization in Fiji.