Turning insight into action. The Lily Project’s data and research - representing more than 20,000 women - leads to a deeper understanding and appreciation of women’s sexual health in rural Nicaragua. It is a powerful tool that can motivate leaders in the growing sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) community to focus more attention on the needs of women in girls in Nicaragua. Additionally, The Lily Project will add to the developing body of research that examines the relationship between socioeconomic factors and risk of HPV infection/cervical cancer to understand the needs of women in communities most at risk for cervical cancer.

 

Life Experience

Early Motherhood: 18% has a child by age 15 and 47% by age 17.

For women whose 1st sexual experience is nonconsensual, on average she was just 13 years old when the abuse occurred.  

 

Lack of Education: 58% never attended or left while in elementary school. 

 

Dependent: 97% do not have a paying job.

Women who have at least a secondary education tend to have jobs and delayed motherhood.

 

Sexual Health

HPV: 8% have received treatment or scheduled for repeat screenings for pre-cancerous lesions.

STIs: 20% of women in one region have an STI at time of their clinic visit.

Contraception: 40% have had a tubal ligation reflecting fewer alternatives.

Risks: 20% report at least one miscarriage.