Manizha Bakhtari: Afghanistan’s Last Female Ambassador Fights for Women’s Rights
Manizha Bakhtari, Afghanistan’s last female ambassador, persists in opposing the Taliban from Austria, advocating for women’s rights and leading resistance efforts. Since the fall of Kabul, she has defied the Taliban by remaining in her position, despite facing legal challenges and personal threats. Bakhtari has established clandestine educational initiatives for girls and continues to engage in international advocacy to prevent the recognition of the Taliban regime.
Manizha Bakhtari, Afghanistan’s last female ambassador, is adamantly confronting the Taliban from her post in Austria. As the only remaining female envoy, she continues to fight for the rights of women and girls in her homeland, leading a resistance against oppressive policies. Following the Taliban takeover, Bakhtari chose to remain in Vienna, advocating for Afghanistan’s women despite the regime’s dismissal of her position.
On the eve of the Taliban’s takeover, Bakhtari expressed concerns to Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar, who reassured her that the government would remain intact. Tragically, Kabul fell hours later, prompting Atmar to flee while Bakhtari resolutely stayed, asserting her role as ambassador and continuing her mission to improve conditions for women. Last week, she received resounding acclaim at the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival for the documentary “The Last Ambassador,” which insights into her unwavering commitment to her cause.
The documentary, directed by Natalie Halla, highlights Bakhtari’s journey from ambassador during the Ashraf Ghani government to becoming the envoy the Taliban opposes. In addition to campaigning against the Taliban’s international recognition, she established a covert network for girls barred from education, demonstrating her dedication to empowering youth. Halla pointed out, “Manizha Bakhtari is still the Ambassador of Afghanistan to Austria…and the representative of Afghanistan before the United Nations.”
The Taliban’s resurgence in 2021 led to significant uncertainty within Afghan embassies worldwide, leaving Bakhtari and her team to decide whether to collaborate with the new regime or resist its policies. Upon receiving a letter from the Taliban dismissing her, Bakhtari promptly rejected their authority, stating, “I am not taking orders from you, Mister,” and committed herself to represent the Afghan people until the Taliban garnered international recognition.
The Afghan embassy in Vienna experienced financial hardships as the Taliban stifled funds, compelling Bakhtari to relocate to an affordable house and generate income through consular services. She organized the Vienna Conference in April 2023, bringing Afghan representatives together to strategize against the Taliban. Despite constant threats and efforts by the Taliban to undermine her, she remained steadfast in her mission to encourage women’s rights.
Bakhtari remains hopeful about the future, believing her advocacy has obstructed international acceptance of the Taliban. She asserted, “The Taliban won’t stay forever. They will be gone one day.” While no state has formally recognized the Taliban, diplomatic discussions have occurred following the Taliban’s takeover. Bakhtari’s passionate efforts to resist fundamentalism trace back to her upbringing, showcasing her enduring commitment to justice and equality.
Bakhtari’s story, depicted in “The Last Ambassador,” uncovers the dynamics that enabled the Taliban’s resurgence and critiques the international community’s failures, particularly regarding women’s rights. Halla recounted the challenges of documenting Bakhtari’s endeavors, as they sought to maintain the embassy as a platform for resistance and champion gender equality in Afghanistan.
Manizha Bakhtari exemplifies resilience as Afghanistan’s last female ambassador, persistently advocating for women’s rights against the Taliban’s oppressive regime. Despite significant challenges, she continues to represent Afghanistan in Vienna, emphasizing her commitment to the Afghan people’s welfare. Through her efforts, Bakhtari remains a powerful symbol of hope and determination in the face of adversity, assuring that the fight for justice and equality endures.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
