Speaking at the launch of the profile female aspirants for the 2012 elections, Gaojia said the promotion of gender equality is a collaboration that must not be violated and politicised as President Ernest Bai Koroma is working with parliamentarians to pass into law the 30% quota which is in question.

"Women should speak with one voice and should continue to work hard with each other," he said. "Transparency and accountability should prevail among you and women leaders should know that they are representing the women of the country." He maintained that advocacy should be made for the majority of women who are in the rural areas and that unity should be among women, thus urging them to come together in order to prevent violence in the forthcoming elections.

While launching the profile female aspirants 2012, First Lady Sia Koroma told women of Sierra Leone to fight for the development of the country as the government has provided space of concern to protect them. "Women should communicate with others in the aspect of development and should fight for your right for the liberation of Mama Salone. You should consolidate peace and security for our country," she said. "Women should target and support the grassroots."

Madam Koroma added that President Koroma and stakeholders are creating laws for the enforcement of violence against women and should be given the opportunity to participate in credible, free, fair and transparent elections as they are partners in development. President of APPWA, Isata Jabbie-Kabbah, said Sierra Leone is indeed blessed as women from all the political parties are under the same roof to discuss gender issues.

"Politics is not a fight, which is why APPWA was established in order to reduce poverty in our country. Sierra Leone will not develop without the help of women and that is why women should rise to develop our country. 30% quota should be supported for women to be in good positions and not for political parties," she maintained.

Mrs. Kabbah called on all political parties to create space for women to increase their number in parliament, ministries, police force, army and also the prisons department.