On the pragmatics of praising

Abstract This study analyses how and why gender movements in Africa celebrate women and their achievements. The study is rooted in the speech act theory focusing on praise and praise singing in recognition of women achievers in politics and society. Praise in this context functions as a pragmatic-discourse and political campaign strategy for achieving gender equality and political participation. By analysing campaign discourses via methods rooted in linguistics, this study argues that constant remembrance and recognition of the achievements of prominent women of history as well as the contribution of contemporary women leaders around the world, present these women as role models and symbols of inspiration for the younger generation of aspiring leaders.