Wife to the current Governor of the East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia, Mrs. Julie Laiskodat is not your average politician’s wife. To many, the atypical wife of a politician is normally pictured as a lady with little to say in public whois also very supportive of their husbands. Regarding Mrs. Laiskodat, she’s got number two covered, but on the first note, she is quite the opposite. She is not only funny and charismatic, but she also gives it to you straight. Forget fluffing things up, instead of being a quiet supporter of her husband, she plays more the role of a trumpeting champion of his initiatives. If the need arises, she would have no problem taking to the stage or blazing the campaign trail in his absence.

Her role as a mother of three, a governors wife, as well as an outspoken and charismatic supporter of her husband is an inspiration to a generation of young women in Indonesia who by and large feel their voices have gone unheard. She reels against the status quo of what Indonesian society says women should be like, instead choosing to speak out when no one else will, and press in on the issues others will not touch. She is treated with respect and treats others with respect. It sounds pretty simple, and it is, but for one of her stays to live this out is no doubt touching inspiring and encouraging a whole generation of young women to be bold and courageous in who they are and what they believe in. How about you? Are you standing up for what you believe and being a voice to end the unjust silence? It is easy to be a spectator watching the fight from afar, but are you willing to get into the ring and fight the battle?