Creation of the Help-Meet

Twice in Genesis 2 it is stated that woman was created as a 'help fit for the man'... or to use the old translation, as a 'help-meet'. No matter which way we state the term, there seems to be something in the term that cuts across the grain of modern thinking in regards to equality.

We have already established (last week from Genesis 1) that there is an equality of dignity and value between men and women. That both are equally image bearers and both share in the call to have dominion. As we look more closely it is also evident that while they are equal, there is a division of labour that is non-reversible.

What does it mean that God made woman to be a 'help-fit for man'? How does this help us understand the state of man and woman before sin entered into their experience?