Jennifer N. Fish has been named an Eminent Scholar at Old Dominion University, recognizing her outstanding work and contributions to the university.
Fish is a renowned social scientist whose research interests include migration, women’s labor, and human rights. As a Women’s and Gender Studies professor, photographer, and Fulbright Scholar, her ethnographic research has served as the foundation for five books, four documentary films, and numerous publications.
Fish has spent the last 24 years advocating for the rights of migrant domestic workers around the world, making significant contributions to social justice campaigns at the grassroots, national, and global levels. She coordinated policy change research at the United Nations International Labour Organization in Geneva to help design the world’s first set of domestic worker safeguards.
Her award-winning book, “Domestic Workers of the World Unite!: A Global Movement for Dignity and Human Rights,” demonstrates her dedication to promoting human rights and dignity for everyone. Her study has been used by international organizations, national governments, labor unions, and colleges all across the world.
Augustine Agho, ODU’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, informed Fish of her Eminent Scholar status in a letter dated March 13.
“Please accept my sincere congratulations and thanks for the many valuable contributions that you have made so far to Old Dominion University,” Agho wrote. “On behalf of the ODU faculty, and especially the College of Arts and Letters and the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies, I can attest that we are all proud to have you as a colleague. We are confident that your contributions will continue to benefit the university community for many years to come.”
Fish said the award reminded her of the value of scholarship that pushes for “a better collective existence.”
“I’m deeply grateful to so many mentors and human rights leaders around the world, who taught me the meaning of scholarship for social change,” she wrote in an email. “My hope is to expand my capacity to give back, in communities and classrooms across the world.”
