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The first 1,001 days of a child’s life, from conception to age two, are crucial for setting the foundation of lifelong health and development. During this period, early brain development and secure caregiver relationships shape a child’s future, but poverty and chronic stress often hinder parents’ ability to provide the nurturing environment essential for optimal growth—especially in low- and middle-income countries. To highlight these critical early years, our Global Health team hosted a movie screening and panel discussion on October 24th, bringing together diverse perspectives on early caregiving and its global importance.

Movie: 1001 Days

The evening began with a screening of the movie 1001 Days, which captures life in Alexandra, South Africa. Through intimate and sometimes challenging scenes, 1001 Days takes viewers into the complex lives of health workers Zanele, Thandiwe, and Khosi. These resilient, inspiring women work within their community to support new mothers during the early stages of motherhood, offering guidance through the first 1,001 days of their babies’ lives. Set against the vibrant yet challenging backdrop of Alexandra’s narrow streets, the movie sheds light on the fearless dedication of these health workers who champion maternal health through both joyful and difficult moments.

Panel discussion

After a brief intermission, the event continued with a panel discussion moderated by Megan Milota. The panel included experts who provided insights into maternal and child health, equity, and rights:

• Sisay M. Alemu – A researcher focusing on maternal and newborn health inequalities through geospatial analysis
• Tienke Vermeiden, MA, PhD – An authority on sexual and reproductive health and rights
• Regien Biesma – Associate Professor specializing in Global Health with a focus on maternal and child health.

Joining the conversation online were 1001 Days directors Chloe White, Kethiwe Ngcobo, and Rose Palmer, who shared behind-the-scenes insights and discussed the inspiration behind the movie.

Key take-aways

The panel discussion raised several essential points:

1. Acting vs. Listening: There was a strong emphasis on the discomfort of merely "listening" to the challenges faced by young women in Alexandra, prompting a question of whether passive observation is enough or if there is a moral obligation for viewers to take action. 

2. Intersectionality and Compounding Vulnerabilities: The discussion highlighted how multiple factors, like poverty, teenage pregnancy, HIV status, mental health, and lack of support, create intersecting and compounding vulnerabilities for these young women. Each factor worsens the others, and the absence of a strong support system perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage.

3. Significance of the First 1001 Days: A key takeaway was the critical importance of the early years for both the child’s and the mother’s future. Poverty, stress, and maternal mental health impact the baby's development significantly, underscoring the need for intervention during this period.

4. Role of Safe Spaces and Social Support: Community health workers in the Ubulele Home Visit Program were praised for providing crucial, trusted support to mothers in need, creating safe spaces that offer both emotional and practical assistance. This low-cost, community-based model was seen as vital for breaking cycles of poverty.

5. Inter-generational Challenges and Hope: The discussion acknowledged the generational nature of these struggles, with children often inheriting the same disadvantages as their parents. However, it also recognized the role of education, faith, and resilience as sources of hope for these women.

How can you help?

During the panel discussion, we explored various ways you can get involved and offer support. Here are a couple of opportunities:

• The movie 1001 days has its own , where you can find contact details if you’re interested in streaming it at your own event or want to get in contact with the moviemakers.
• The Ububele Home Visiting Program, which supports the women featured in the movie, also has a where you can learn more and make donations to support their vital work.