When One Woman Wins, We All Rise: Celebrating Gail Mabalane’s Iconic Moment

There are moments in the world of entertainment that feel bigger than a trophy or a red-carpet photo. Gail Mabalane’srecent win at the 2025 Glamour Women of the Year Awards is one of those moments. When she received the Editor’s Industry Icon of the Year award for her powerful role in The Breadwinner, it felt like a collective celebration.

As I watched the news unfold, I found myself smiling. Gail’s journey is filled with quiet strength and steady growth. She is the kind of woman who moves with purpose, even when the spotlight is not directly on her. Seeing her honoured reminded me that every step we take in faith and discipline builds a story worth celebrating.

What Gail’s Win Reminds Us About Purpose

Many of us walk through life wondering if the work we do matters. We pour ourselves into our families, businesses, dreams, and communities, hoping it makes a difference. Gail’s moment on that stage reminded me of something simple but powerful: purpose is often shaped behind the scenes before it is ever applauded in public.

She didn’t become an icon overnight. Her journey has been slow, steady, and intentional. That alone is a message for all of us. Purpose does not rush. Purpose grows in the quiet places — the rehearsals, the long days, the prayers whispered under tired breath.

And then one day, purpose blossoms. Sometimes on a stage. Sometimes in our homes. Sometimes in our hearts.

The Beauty of Celebrating Other Women

As women, we carry so much. We fight silent battles. We juggle roles. We nurture others while trying to keep pieces of ourselves intact. This is why celebrating another woman’s win feels so refreshing.

Gail’s achievement is more than an award. It is a reminder that another woman’s success is not a threat — it is an invitation. An invitation to cheer louder. To believe bigger. To trust that our own moment will come in its own season.

I have learned, especially in motherhood and entrepreneurship, that envy steals joy, but celebration multiplies it. When we honour the women who rise around us, we rise too. We create a world where women feel safe to shine. And that is a world worth building.

What We Can Learn from Gail’s Journey

Here are a few gentle lessons I took from this milestone moment:

1. Show up even when you feel unseen.

Gail’s career shows the power of persistence. Sometimes the seeds we plant look like they are taking too long, but growth is happening.

2. Excellence speaks for itself.

Her award was not just about talent. It was about consistency, character, and commitment.

3. Your story matters — even the quiet chapters.

The world often celebrates the highlight reel, but God works in the background scenes too. Trust that.

4. Let your light inspire, not intimidate.

Gail carries her success with grace. That is something to admire and practice.

A Moment of Reflection for Us All

As I think about this win, I feel encouraged. Not because I expect to stand on a glamorous stage, but because I am reminded that God honours the work we do in faith. Your journey may look different from Gail’s, but it is no less important.

Maybe you’re building a business from your dining table.
Maybe you’re raising a little one while trying to keep your dreams alive.
Maybe you’re working hard in a job that doesn’t always see you.

Wherever you are, keep showing up. Keep growing. Keep trusting the process.

One day, your quiet faithfulness will bloom into something beautiful — something worth celebrating.

Cheers to Gail — and cheers to you

So today, I applaud Gail Mabalane for her shining moment. But I’m also applauding you. Every woman reading this. Every woman rising in her own lane.

Gail’s win is a reminder that we are allowed to shine, in our own way and at our own pace. And when one woman wins, we all rise a little higher.

What inspires you most about Gail’s journey?Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s celebrate each other.Follow me on Instagram @HelloLeloBlog for more uplifting stories and lifestyle reflections.