47 WOTYA 2025 womanthismonth.com | JANUARY 2026 Winner of the Woman in Social Services category at the Woman of the Year Awards 2025, Rayana Salah Sayyar is an architect, educator and community leader whose work is centred on longterm social impact. A Member of the National Committee of Childhood in Bahrain, Founder of Our Responsibility, CoFounder of 8/23 Design Studio, and Member of Al Mostaqbal Society, she leads communitydriven initiatives that empower children and shape environments designed to support learning, wellbeing and social growth across the Kingdom. What was a moment during the ceremony that felt most meaningful to you? The most meaningful moments come from realising that recognition is never about individual achievement. It represents the lives touched, the trust of families, the dedication of volunteers, the generosity of donors, and the commitment of government entities and institutions that believe in long-term change. What truly matters is knowing that this moment will allow more people to learn about the cause and become part of it. The real victory is about expanding impact in lasting ways. Were there any reactions from family, team, or community that surprised you? What stood out most were the reactions from those who worked quietly and selflessly alongside the mission. Many shared that the win felt personal, as though their own efforts had been recognised. Messages from families, students and children were a reminder that impact is deeply human and often invisible. Those responses reinforced that leadership is not about being seen, but about making others feel valued and supported. How has winning informed your priorities or plans since the awards night? Winning elevated the sense of responsibility and sharpened the vision moving forward. It reaffirmed that meaningful impact must be structured and sustainable. Since the awards night, the focus has shifted towards building systems rather than moments, and institutions rather than initiatives. This recognition strengthened the commitment to creating work that serves with dignity and continues long after the spotlight fades. How will you use the prize, platform, or network that came with this award? This platform will be used to advocate for causes that require action rather than sympathy. The visibility and network that come with this recognition create an opportunity to bring together government entities, educational institutions, the private sector and civil society around shared responsibility. The goal is to transform awareness into collaboration, and collaboration into measurable impact that improves lives. What concrete next steps or milestones are you committing to in the next 12 months?In the coming year, the focus will be on expanding structured, high-impact programmes that support children’s wellbeing, education and rehabilitation. This includes strengthening partnerships with schools and universities, scaling access to healthcare and support services, and reinforcing governance and transparency across initiatives. There is also a strong commitment to working closely with the board members of Our Responsibility Society and relevant government stakeholders to review, improve and advocate for policies that protect children’s rights in the long-term. What is one piece of advice you would give to young women looking up to you now that you have won? Do not wait for permission or perfection. Purpose grows through action, patience and consistency. Lead with integrity and stay rooted in service. Allow your work to speak before you do. When the focus remains on impact rather than recognition, success follows in ways far greater than any title or award.
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