Dr Kauppinen is an internationally recognised advocate for gender equality amongst women and women with disabilities. Her work has been influential through her contribution at the national and international level, including the WFD, IDA, UN and its special agencies. Dr Kauppinen was instrumental in securing references to sign languages and the identity of deaf people within the CRPD, consequently advocating for deaf women’s equal participation and opportunities in society. In 2013, Dr Kauppinen received the UN Human Rights Award for her significant work. She has also been conferred with numerous professional honours.
About the fund
Deaf women and girls are often faced with systematic exclusion and isolation due to social factors, including communication barriers. To address this, Dr Kauppinen Fund was established in 2015 to honour the relentless dedication of Dr Kauppinen. It's purpose is to fund activities focusing on the Deaf Communities, especially deaf girls’ and women’s empowerment and to promote their rights and access to education. The core belief is that only with awareness and knowledge about human rights are deaf people, including deaf women, act, exert influence and overcome exclusion.