From Roberta Bondar to Harriet Brooks, Canada has more than its fair share of women scientists to be proud of. However women are still a minority in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (commonly referred to as STEM).

Women make up only 28 per cent of researchers around the world, with the gap becoming more prominent at senior management positions, according to the most recent UNESCO Science Report.

In response, the United Nations has declared Feb. 11, 2016 as the inaugural International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

“More than ever today, the world needs science and science needs women,“ says Ms. Irina Bokova, director-general of UNESCO, in a press release.

Following the announcement, scores of Canadian scientists, politicians, and national institutions took to twitter to celebrate the day and spread resources. A selection of those reactions are below.

1st International #dayofwomeninscience #womeninscienceday (’bout time) Proud 2 b strong voice 4 #WomeninSTEM Canada https://t.co/Fbl85jNcLF — Imogen Coe (@RySciDean) February 11, 2016

Today marks the 1st International #DayofWomeninScience! Celebrate the theme: #ParityinScience pic.twitter.com/Ok3BhEoGer — Hon. Kirsty Duncan (@ScienceMin) February 11, 2016

Today we’re celebrating #womeninscience! 1st up @ROMEarthSci‘s @KimTTait https://t.co/OJTsFH1S8j — Royal Ontario Museum (@ROMtoronto) February 11, 2016

On this #DayofWomeninScience lets celebrate the work of all our great women geographical scientists, like @RCGS_SGRC governor @Geocogito — John Geiger (@JohnGGeiger) February 11, 2016

On #dayofwomeninscience, I applaud the women breaking stereotypes in STEM all over the world. We need more of you! pic.twitter.com/HNI9O4iX4o — Phumzile Mlambo (@phumzileunwomen) February 11, 2016

Happy #dayofwomeninscience! I’m proud to be not only a woman in science but a MOM in science @CRC_CRC @ScienceMin pic.twitter.com/AQLrBNskZx — Christine Chambers (@DrCChambers) February 11, 2016

Happy Int’l Day of Women & Girls in Science. Check out our #WomenInSTEM series by @SnowHydro https://t.co/KRglcaDP9H#WomenInScience — CanadianSciencePub (@cdnsciencepub) February 11, 2016

It’s the first International Day of Women and Girls in Science! All bright minds should have equal opportunities. #GGInnovation — David Johnston (@GGDavidJohnston) February 11, 2016

Feb. 11 is the inaugural @WomenScienceDay! How will you celebrate? https://t.co/4ZR7U8d6uQ #ParityinScience pic.twitter.com/LsuOSfniPj — Women in Science (@LaurierWinS) February 11, 2016