33 WOTYA 2025 womanthismonth.com | JANUARY 2026 Jaya Menon is an award-winning artist, writer and filmmaker who has lived and worked in Bahrain since 1973. Widely recognised for championing women through art and for her pioneering creative contributions, she is also behind Bahrain’s first Malayalam anthology film showcasing local talent. As the winner of the Woman in Literary Arts category at the Woman of the Year Awards 2025, her work stands as a testament to a lifelong commitment to storytelling, cultural dialogue and creative courage. What was a moment during the ceremony that felt most meaningful to you? The most meaningful moment came when I held the trophy in my hands and lifted it up. In that instant, I felt a deep sense of ownership, not from pride, but from the years of work, sacrifice and unwavering belief that led me there. I remember saying, “Thank you for giving me the reward of my lifetime,” and I meant it with my whole heart. Lifting that trophy felt like lifting an entire journey skyward and offering it back with gratitude. Were there any reactions from family, team, or community that surprised you? Yes, very much so. When my name was announced, I looked at my son who was sitting beside me, and I will never forget the delight and pride on his face, his smile glowing and his eyes shining. In that moment, I felt his joy so deeply, quiet, steady and profoundly moving. It reminded me that this journey has never been mine alone. It has been carried, supported and illuminated by the constant love of my family. I was also surprised by the warmth of the community around us. People I had met only that evening celebrated with genuine joy, clapping, cheering and capturing the moment as if it belonged to them too. That kind of wholeheartedness is rare, and it touched me deeply. Even from afar, my husband, watching the ceremony live from India with family friends, called immediately to show me everyone around him celebrating and dancing with pure happiness. The rest of the night felt almost surreal, filled with constant calls and messages from loved ones near and far, like a beautiful dream I did not want to wake up from. How has winning informed your priorities or plans since the awards night? Winning has given me both a platform and a profound sense of responsibility. I want to honour this recognition and this country through action, not just words. I am now developing an Arabic film that will bring together Indian and Bahraini talent across disciplines, from actors and cinematographers to composers and creatives. This is not just a creative project, but a humble tribute to the nation that embraced me. Bahrain’s beauty lies in its multicultural spirit, where different communities collaborate and create together, and this film will celebrate that unity. How will you use the prize, platform, or network that came with this award? I would like to use this platform to encourage meaningful storytelling and to support emerging talent through mentorship, collaboration and community spaces where art and literature are respected and nurtured. If this recognition can open even one more door for another woman, it will be worth it. What concrete next steps or milestones are you committing to in the next 12 months? I am committing to one major project over the next 12 months, the creation of an Arabic film, from screenplay finalisation through casting and production. It will feature the best of Indian and Bahraini creative talent and stands as my heartfelt tribute to the country that has honoured me. What is one piece of advice you would give to young women looking up to you now that you have won? Please do not wait for others’ support to begin. Start where you are, with what you have, and keep going steadily and sincerely. Your voice matters. Your story matters. If you remain rooted in discipline and truth, recognition will follow in its own time.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==