A Santa Monica woman was honored last week for her leadership in promoting women’s rights locally and around the world.
Kelly Hayes-Raitt on Oct. 22, which was United Nations Day, was recognized by the Los Angeles City Commission on the Status of Women and Los Angeles City Councilmember Eric Garcetti.
The U.N. General Assembly created United Nations Day. To commemorate this year’s theme of “Women’s Rights and Empowerment,” the Los Angeles City Council presented Hayes-Raitt with a proclamation at LA City Hall.
Hayes-Raitt, a commissioner on the Santa Monica Commission on the Status of Women, traveled to Iraq twice last year. She spoke with hundreds of Iraqi women and children and brought their stories home, where she has addressed a wide range of audiences, including religious congregations, classes, neighborhood associations, Rotary clubs and a delegation of congresswomen about her experiences.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 28, 2004. Read the original PDF.