There is a temptation to assume that the dark days of sexual inequality are over because so much progress can be seen in our everyday places of work.

However, anything other than a superficial glance reveals that there is still much to be done.

While boardrooms are not now the sole preserve of men, for example, they are still very heavily dominated by them. And while the phrase women's work is gladly seldom heard these days, the reality is that many low-paid professions are dominated by female workers. It is accepted that inequality can cut both ways. Fewer primary school teachers are now male, for example. But more often than not, women are the ones to miss out.

A scheme that sets out to address one professional imbalance is up and running at the University of Bradford. Its School of Engineering, Design and Technology has set up a regional support network which aims to help women about to enter what remains a predominantly male profession - that of engineering.

This is not a case of positive discrimination, which could cause more problems than it solves, for the students who will benefit have already been accepted on to the course. And it should help female engineering students feel less isolated and better able to excel.

Anything which gives our young people more opportunities to succeed in their chosen field, regardless of gender, is welcome. This city, and indeed country, cannot afford to let talent go untapped through inequality, deliberate or otherwise.