Since taking office, President Barack Obama has appointed to key positions women who are dedicated to promoting women's rights. These include Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who recently said women's rights are an integral part of U.S. foreign policy.

But here in Pittsburgh, the gender wage gap exceeds the national average, women's representation on corporate boards and in government leadership lags the nation, and there appear to be similar inequities between girls and boys when it comes to high school sports.

At this moment, public high schools in Pittsburgh are voluntarily undergoing a Title IX audit to determine whether they offer equal opportunities and equal treatment to female students who play, or wish to play, sports.

Title IX, the federal law which prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded educational programs and activities, has been responsible for an explosion in athletic opportunities for female students over the past three decades. Nevertheless, it appears that female students, particularly in our area, still have fewer opportunities to play sports than their male counterparts and that girls who do participate get inferior equipment, uniforms, fields, facilities, coaching, publicity and scheduling at many schools.

It's commendable that the Pittsburgh school district is looking at its gender-equity performance and taking the initiative to ensure that girls are treated fairly in its athletic programs. The district understands this is about more than just having fun: On the whole, girls who play sports do better academically; graduate at higher rates; have fewer problems with alcohol, drugs, eating disorders and unintended pregnancy; and have greater self-esteem than non-athletes.

The independent auditor responsible for assessing the Pittsburgh schools, a high school athletic director from central Pennsylvania, will examine the athletic department records of each high school in the district with a sports program. She'll also distribute questionnaires to administrators to gauge their knowledge and implementation of Title IX principles.

Let's hope the auditor invites the participation and input of parents and students as the true stakeholders in this matter, as well as teachers, coaches, school administrators and athletic directors.

The audit provides a unique opportunity for the school board and administrators to listen to the students themselves. They know better than anyone where the inequities are and what improvements are necessary.

If a school gives its female athletes second-rate equipment, sending a message that women aren't serious athletes, or acknowledges the achievements of male athletes while ignoring or minimizing those of female athletes, you can be sure the students will know it. The adults then should follow the students' lead in developing strategies to increase girls' participation in sports and improve their athletic experience.

The auditor and the school board also should make it clear that any student who speaks out about discrimination will not suffer from retaliation of any kind -- at the hands of teachers, coaches, athletic-department staff or peers. Although the law prohibits retaliation, it takes courage and determination to stand up for equality. Young people with the guts to speak up must be guaranteed safety. The same goes for the coaches, often the student-athletes' strongest advocates.

After examining the schools' athletic programs and listening to the stakeholders, the auditor should recommend aggressive strategies for change. Really expanding athletic opportunities for female students requires more than "roster management," a bland term for a cynical numbers game that some Title IX opponents have started playing. Under "roster management," girls' teams are packed with more players than can meaningfully participate to make the school's gender-equity numbers look better.

Female athletes who have the skill and desire to play at a competitive level become frustrated by their lack of real opportunity to play, and the students who are there just to fill a slot gain few of the benefits of athletic participation: self-confidence, leadership and teamwork skills. Girls in the school district would be better served by meaningful opportunities to participate in sports, not by simply being another number on a spreadsheet.

It should go without saying, but let's say it anyway: Bleak economic times are no excuse for tolerating gender inequality. In November, NCAA President Myles Brand preemptively warned that colleges should not engage in the "unfair argument" of blaming Title IX for athletic-budget woes. We believe the same warning applies to high schools and middle schools. The principle is simple: Whether the pie is big or little, girls deserve their fair share of it.

The findings and recommendations of the audit are scheduled to be released this summer. After a long look in the mirror, Pittsburgh Public Schools will have the opportunity to make good on the promise of gender equity. Keeping that Pittsburgh promise deserves everyone's support.