The story of Caitlyn Jenner – the transitioning of Bruce Jenner, former decathlete and erstwhile supporting actor of reality TV, into a woman – is not just an opportunity to sell magazines and increase ratings, with “reportage” that ranges from the sordid and the sensational to the superficial and the snide.

It is a chance for a woman to embrace her authentic self, to take deserved pride in her transition, while not forsaking the moment to make Olympic strides for women the world over.

For, after the media coverage ends, if it ever ends, there will arise a question of conscience, a query of duty and justice: How can Caitlyn Jenner use her fame to celebrate something greater than her physical appearance and her forthcoming promotional deals with various fashion brands and cosmetic companies?

Why should she concern herself more with where women fit in society than how she, Ms. Jenner, fits in some haute couture dress supplied by Vanity Fair?

The question is rhetorical because, in an age where gender inequality persists and the enslavement of women and girls is a global threat, Caitlyn Jenner has an international platform to fight vicious stereotypes and liberate tens of millions of women from abuse, neglect, torture, and sexual harassment.

Remember: Caitlyn is the fulfillment of Bruce, a man of raw strength and the winner of a two-day contest that tests the will – and taxes the body – in ways only the most hardened competitors can imagine and the strictest coaches will demand; training for years, in anonymity, to emerge victorious in the Games of the XXI Olympiad, and immortalized on hundreds of millions of cereal boxes that contain “The Breakfast of Champions.”

Or, there is no man woman enough to challenge Caitlyn’s force and bravery.

It would be a shame, therefore, if Caitlyn were to allow herself to be nothing more than a thing of beauty – a specimen of medical advances and a living mannequin for various shades of lipstick, fillers, nail polish and false eyelashes.

She can earn all the wealth she wants, at the expense of impoverishing her soul, unless she enriches the spirit of humankind with a call to respect, fairness and decency.

Caitlyn can be our voice for something more, something better.

Think of the reaction, and the subsequent debate and conversation, if Caitlyn were to issue just one tweet or Facebook post about the persistence of pay inequity.

Imagine the national or international reception – picture this fearless act of hope – where, despite the sexist responses and the ugly threats, there would be an overwhelming chorus of these three words of social change: “Yes We Can.”

Envision, too, the comfort Caitlyn can inspire – and the lives she can save – by writing and speaking with empathy for those too intimidated to be their genuine selves; too bullied and encircled to free themselves, by themselves alone, of the violent bigotry that pervades their schools and their homes, their communities and their churches.

I have high expectations for Caitlyn Jenner because I know how successful Bruce Jenner was. The latter has a legacy of triumph, on the playing field and in the boardroom, which Caitlyn now possesses.

She has the talent to win, and the resolve to persevere, for whatever she wants.

She has a worldwide sisterhood of every race, color and nationality, ready to march towards progress and personal freedom.

Caitlyn should summon us to victory, period.

Elizabeth Rice Grossman