Doris Antwi-Debrah, a Master of Engineering and Public Policy student, is a passionate advocate for education, technology and policy. With over two decades of experience in teaching and leadership roles in Ghana, she has dedicated her career to empowering women in STEM and shaping policies that drive innovation.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 around United Nations’ theme “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”, Doris reflects on the progress made, the challenges that remain and her vision for the future of healthcare, education and technology policy—both in Canada and Ghana.
What does “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment. mean to you?
For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment encompasses several important principles and goals to me. That is creating an environment that empower women and girls, positioning them at the decision-making table, breaking the glass ceiling across all sectors, projecting their voices to have equitable access to opportunities, resources and support. This theme serves as a rallying call to promote women and girls worldwide and to celebrate the contributions of women in society. The theme also seeks to inspire collective action towards achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls to realize their full potential. It has been 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, and the need for action has already been activated.
McMaster University has been committed to promoting gender equality through various initiatives, programs and policies. McMaster, being a higher educational institution, has contributed immensely to train and put women right at the table of decision making.
You’re currently researching regulations in Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, exploring how these technologies can enhance patient care and accessibility. What impact do you hope your research will have on the future of healthcare technology?
AI has huge potential to revolutionize healthcare positively, but it can also be a menace if not properly regulated. My 1st master’s degree project was in Telemedicine, but with all the advancements in technology to make healthcare more accessible and enhance patient care, it is also important that these AI tools are used responsibly and ethically. I envision my research which is Co- Designing a Government Framework for Responsible AI Adoption in Healthcare – Phase II with two other students at St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton will safeguard patients’ wellbeing and their trust in AI tools in healthcare and to improve these technologies to better enhance healthcare delivery. The impact I am looking forward to with the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare technology is enhancing safety and efficacy. Providing a roadmap for developers, encouraging innovation while ensuring compliance with safety and ethical standards.
You’ve taught at every level of education. What do you love most about teaching and based on your experience, what are some effective ways to encourage more young women to pursue STEM?
What I love about teaching is the responsibility of being a role model and transferring knowledge to others. As a woman who has weathered the storm of “science is too difficult for a woman”, I believe more young women can be encouraged to pursue STEM through a concerted public education and a public policy of ensuring a fair representation of both men and women in STEM programs.
A woman that pursues STEM becomes a formidable holistic individual who is extremely resourceful for her family, her nation and the world. A STEM inclined woman can practically teach all the above circles right from the kitchen to the boardroom. Everything in life is STEM. Based on the above, I love teaching students STEM courses. It promotes diversity. One of the solutions to the world’s problems is teamwork plus leadership. Teaching them teamwork and leadership through scientific analogues activates problem solving. Problem solving is a co-efficient of STEM. When that is positioned- you get a brighter world. No wonder I find myself at Mac.
What inspired you to pursue Engineering and Public Policy at McMaster after a career in education and technology? How is this program helping you bridge technical solutions with policy-making?
Public policy affects the direction of both technology and education. As an educator, I have been an implementor of education policies, but I have had many compelling reasons. I decided that having reached the managerial level in my career, coupled with the fact that I am a woman who wears many hats including; being the Head Of Department for Math and ICT in academia, serving in grassroots politics as a Branch Communications Officer, Member of the 2024 research team within my home constituency, serving as the president for my year group alumni, engaging in advocacy to empower woman in church and community – made me see this program as the perfect fit to direct my future aspirations. As someone who has been a student leader in my academic journeys and continues to serve in various leadership fields, a course in Public Policy will make me more efficient in drafting and implementing good policies. I realized that while innovative technologies can address many societal challenges, their successful implementation often hinges on effective policies and regulations. The program’s unique emphasis on developing technically proficient policy aligns seamlessly with my background.
Additionally, the program’s relevance to Ghana and Africa’s pressing challenges, such as rapid technological advancements and the need for effective policies, resonates with me. I believe this program will provide me with the expertise to drive meaningful change in Ghana’s academic and political landscape. The program’s focus on fostering innovation ecosystems, enhancing digital infrastructure and promoting sustainable technology adoption aligns with my long-term goal of contributing to sustainable technological advancement, economic development, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship in Ghana and throughout Africa, Hence, my decision to pursue Engineering and Public Policy at McMaster which is a first-class institution with a stellar reputation for academic excellence.
Who has been a mentor or role model in your journey, and what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
I honestly do not have one mentor or role model, but I take inspiration from high achieving women from all spears of life socially and spiritually. Here at McMaster, the list of such high achieving women who indirectly provider mentorship is endless. Nevertheless, I have been directly influenced by Professor Velma Grover by virtue of being in her lecture every semester. Her mentorship extends beyond academics. Her commitment to students’ academic and personal growth is evident through her willingness to provide extra guide and resources.
From the good book, I take inspiration from Deborah to be a deliverer and Esther a woman who stood for the liberation of her people. I like what they stood for because like them, I dare to stand in the gap for worthy ventures. As we celebrate IWD, who knows that in these current dispensations, I have been called in such a time like this to own the voices for this generation and to stand in the gap for generations to come. The best advice I have ever received in life that has guided me is to stand up for something and trust the process of your journey.
As a Ghanaian woman, do you see yourself using your expertise in Engineering and Public Policy to contribute to Ghana’s development in the future? If so, how?
Yes, of course! I think the skills I will acquire in this program will be valuable for the future direction in my home country. The new government of Ghana, for example, has changed the Ministry of Energy to the Ministry of Energy and Green Transitions. Through the MEPP program, I have studied courses like Green Engineering Sustainability and Public Policy, Energy and Public Policy which provides solutions fit for that ministry. The Ministry of Communication and Digitalization has also designed a blueprint document for the adoption of AI in many sectors of the country’s economy. As the government embarks on these new projects there will be the need for policy to implement and regulate the new industry. There are also courses like “The Theory and Practice of Public Policy” McMaster offers which have helped me to learn how to make Presentation to Standing Committee on Regulating AI. I believe the skills and knowledge gained from these programs will be very valuable technical know-how for the above ministries. I will certainly contribute to help develop Ghana in the not distant future.
