Luanda — The role of women in the country's development and policies for the promotion of justice and equality in society were praised on Monday by MPLA's candidate for President of the Republic, João Lourenço.

The MPLA leader was speaking in Luanda, at a meeting promoted by the Angolan Women's Organisation (OMA), as part of the campaign for the August 24 elections.

He defended for women more rights and job opportunities, health care, career advancement and leadership positions.

In his speech, which marked the end of his party's mass political rally, Lourenço said that MPLA will continue to "fight" for gender equality in order to offer Angolan women the same rights as those given to other citizens.

He expressed concern about domestic violence, a factor that, according to him, has contributed to family breakdown.

He guarantees to pursue programmes to fight illiteracy and school dropout among young women in the next mandate.

He also proposes to reinforce, as a priority, family planning programmes to reduce early pregnancies among underage young women.

MPLA's leader is called on women to continue the drive for door-to-door voting in the final hours before election day to ensure the MPLA's victory.

Roughly 14.3 million voters, including 22,650 residing abroad, will cast their ballot papers in the upcoming general elections.