Manizha Bakhtari: Championing Women’s Rights from Austria Against the Taliban

Manizha Bakhtari, Afghanistan’s last female ambassador, advocates for women’s rights in Austria after the Taliban takeover. Defying the Taliban, she stays in her role, leading resistance efforts and promoting clandestine education for girls banned from schools. Her story is captured in the documentary “The Last Ambassador,” showcasing her commitment to women and girls amid oppression.

Manizha Bakhtari, Afghanistan’s last female ambassador, continues her fight for women’s rights from Austria, despite the oppressive regime of the Taliban. Just hours before the Taliban seized Kabul, Bakhtari posed a crucial question to Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, only to find herself defying their orders by remaining in her post as the country’s representative in Vienna.

Bakhtari, aged 52, received an ovation at the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival for the premiere of “The Last Ambassador,” directed by Natalie Halla. The documentary showcases her resilience against the Taliban and captures her journey from serving under the Ashraf Ghani government to advocating for women and girls who have been denied education.

Despite the Taliban’s attempts to silence her, Bakhtari remains steadfast. She has established a clandestine educational network for girls in Afghanistan, opposing the Taliban’s ban on female education. Bakhtari’s refusal to resign is fueled by her belief in representing the voices of Afghan women, as reaffirmed in her television interviews.

In Vienna, the Afghan embassy operates amid significant challenges post-Taliban takeover. Bakhtari moved the embassy to a more affordable location and continues her mission despite funding shortages. She initiated programs like Dukhtaran, providing clandestine lessons to young girls, while convening conferences to unite Afghan opposition against the Taliban.

The Taliban’s engagement with the global community has sparked concerns among those advocating for human rights, yet Bakhtari remains optimistic about the future, stating, “The Taliban won’t stay forever. They will be gone one day.” As she asserts her position, Bakhtari embodies resilience and hope for many in Afghanistan. Her journey, captured beautifully in the documentary, highlights the fight against fundamentalism and the ongoing battle for justice for Afghan women.

In conclusion, Manizha Bakhtari exemplifies unwavering courage as Afghanistan’s only female ambassador, persevering against the Taliban while advocating for women’s rights from Austria. Through her defiance and resilience, she highlights the critical struggle for gender equality in Afghanistan. As she continues her advocacy efforts against oppression, Bakhtari remains a symbol of hope and resistance for women and girls in her homeland, inspiring many with her determination for a better future.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com