Our View: Equity doesn't require heroes, just action

In recognition of International Women's Day on March 8, DC Comics commissioned artist Jasmin Darnell to design a special cover for Wonder Woman No. 797. The image depicts three of the strongest female characters in the DC Universe—Mary Marvel, Wonder Woman and Nubia.

The art itself is stunning. And it could be among the most authentic tributes to International Women's Day on the internet. Wonder Woman, after all, has an incredibly rich (though, sometimes flawed) history of fighting for gender equity. Her story—like that of her imperfect creator—is mesmerizing.

What has been less impressive are many of the sentiments offered across social media platforms in recognition of the day. They were the "thoughts and prayers" equivalence for the systematic gender equity issues that plague businesses inside and outside the rubber industry.

Issues that hit hardest for Black, Hispanic and Native American women.

Because it's not just that women make up smaller portions of our work forces, they are paid less to do the exact same work as their male colleagues. Women, on average, are paid about 84 cents for every dollar a man earns.

Black, Hispanic and Native American women earn about 57 cents for every $1 earned by a man.

So not only are they underpaid, they are also discredited and often aren't given the chance to prove themselves. The United Nations notes that women in science fields—who make up just 33 percent of all researchers—typically receive smaller research grants than their male colleagues.

So what are rubber industry companies and professionals to do? How do you meaningfully recognize a day like International Women's Day?

Simply: You don't make it about you.

You mark the day on your calendar, noting it as a starting point for change. And then you stop talking.

You listen to women tell their stories.

You identify the systematic problems within your own organization, pledge to fix them and then enact a plan to do just that.

Because we can't move the needle on gender equity if we don't think about it tomorrow, if we don't address the issues next month and the month after that. Understanding and listening, those are good things—critical, first steps. But they're only small first steps. They need to be followed by giant leaps made through meaningful, purposeful action.

And proof of those efforts will play out in data. In more women holding jobs across sectors dominated by men. In the closing of the gender pay gap. In the number of women in leadership and management positions.

It's time—beyond time—to move forward. Wonder Woman has been fighting for gender equity for 82 years.

That's 81 years too long.

And if she can't get it done with a comic, we won't get it done with a tweet.