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.