7 Real-World Problems We Wish Supergirl Could Fix

CBS released the trailer for Supergirl, its upcoming DC Comics adaptation, today. The series will star Melissa Benoist as the titular heroine, who will abolish misogyny and bring down the patriarchy ...  or so we hope. Here are seven real-world problems we wish she could actually solve with her superpowers.

1. The gender pay gap

Women make only 77 percent of what men make in the workplace. This means that they must work approximately three months extra to catch up with men. The gap is even bigger for African-American and Latina women, who make 64 cents and 56 cents, respectively, for every dollar earned by a Caucasian man. Could Supergirl fly into the pockets of men and pull out the extra money they get and put them back in the pockets of women? #superherogoals 

2. The glass ceiling 

Women make up 50 percent of the U.S. population, hold 52 percent of professional-level jobs, and yet they only have 14 percent of executive positions. We've never had a woman president. Maybe she could do something about that? 

3. Domestic abuse 

Women represent 85 percent of domestic abuse victims. We hope Supergirl can talk to advocates and politicians about creating safer spaces for women and opportunities for financial independence.

4. Marriage equality

The Supreme Court will issue a ruling on marriage equality this summer, and advocates say that it is likely to be favorable, but couldn't Supergirl just expediate the process? She should just throw on a suit and officiate weddings using her superhero skills. 

5. Minimum wage

More women than men earn minimum wage. Of the people who earn minimum wage or less, 62 percent are women, and 38 percent are men. Could Supergirl just make everyone's bosses give them a raise or create a pipeline for higher education and opportunities for the minimum-wage labor force? That should be easy, right? 

6. Media representation 

As reported by the Los Angeles Times, a University of Southern California study found that "1.9% of the directors of 2013's top-grossing films were women — a six-year low — and just a quarter of all the speaking roles in animated films belonged to girls or women." Can you imagine texting Supergirl those statistics? She would literally just text you back, "I'M SCREAMING" and fly off to Hollywood to talk to all the execs, I'm sure. 

7. Paid family leave

The U.S. ranks last, according to Pew Research, in paid family leave. Shouldn't your parents have time to spend with you right after you're born? I think Supergirl would agree. 

Check out the trailer for Supergirl here: