From assembling a model of the Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger aircraft to carry out a simulation of a launch mission to space, more than 30 female students from the UAE got an opportunity to participate at the Airbus Little Engineer workshop held alongside the Global Women's Forum in the UAE on February 23-24, 2016.

The workshop conducted by Airbus Middle East in partnership with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) aims to instil a passion for science, technology and engineering among young girls and to encourage them to pursue a career in the aviation industry.

Despite major advancements in gender diversity and career progression opportunities, women are vastly under-represented in the region's aviation and aerospace sectors. Through its creative and hands-on sessions, Airbus Little Engineer workshops at the Forum seek to promote an appreciation for aerospace education among young and talented female students.

Today more than 2500 students have benefitted from the Airbus Little Engineer workshops in Middle East and Africa, fifty percent being females.

Contributed by Airbus S.A.S