Law firm Appleby is supporting not-for-profit initiative Love Tech.

The project is run by a group of local female business leaders and technologists.

The group aims to inspire and empower girls and young women to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through educational events, interactive workshops and mentorship in the Isle of Man.

Love Tech was set up by Claire Milne WS of Appleby, Roberta Castle of Continent 8 Technologies and Deb Byron of Hansard International, all of whom have worked in and alongside the technology sector for many years.

(WS is a title open to senior Scottish qualified lawyers. Admission as a Writer to the Signet is open to individuals qualified to be a solicitor in Scotland and who have worked as a lawyer for at least three years.)

At the heart of Appleby’s corporate social responsibility strategy in the Isle of Man is a theme centred on youth, education and sport.

The firm has supported Love Tech since its inception and this year has provided the group with £1,000 corporate sponsorship.

Claire Milne, partner at Appleby Isle of Man, said: ’Love Tech is all about inspiring girls of all ages on the Isle of Man, to consider the many career opportunities in STEM through interactive events and mentorship, which fits perfectly with Appleby’s CSR (corporate social responsibility) pillars.

’Love Tech relies on backing from the business community and Appleby are thrilled to be able to support this initiative throughout 2019.’

Angela van den Berg, chairman of Love Tech, said: ’UK statistics show that just 24% of university graduates in STEM subjects are women, with just 6% of these women going on to work in the digital sector as an example.

’We were also startled to find out that the proportion of professionals in core STEM occupations represented by women is only 22%, hence our vision of a world in which men and women have truly equal opportunities, representation and recognition.

’With valued sponsorship from companies such as Appleby, we can continue to run our events programme and ensure we continue to play our part, encouraging more girls from the Isle of Man to follow their dreams and consider alternative careers in STEM.’

www.lovetech.im