Manizha Bakhtari: Resisting Taliban Oppression from Austria

Manizha Bakhtari perseveres as Afghanistan’s last female ambassador, advocating for women’s rights from Vienna. Despite the Taliban’s oppressive regime, she remains active in her role, leading initiatives for girls’ education and organizing resistance. A recent documentary highlights her journey, showcasing her commitment amid legal and operational challenges faced by Afghan embassies post-Taliban takeover.

Manizha Bakhtari, Afghanistan’s last female ambassador, is waging a relentless battle against the Taliban from her post in Austria. Her advocacy for women’s rights continues despite the regime’s oppressive measures post-Taliban takeover on August 15, 2021. Refusing to recognize her dismissal, Bakhtari remains a voice for Afghan women in the international arena as the only Afghan woman envoy still active globally, working to secure rights for women and girls in her home country.

Shortly before the Taliban seized Kabul, Bakhtari expressed her concerns regarding the impending crisis to Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar, who reassured her. Subsequently, as Taliban forces entered the capital, Atmar fled, while Bakhtari chose to stay at her embassy. She has become a symbol of resilience, continuing her duties in Vienna and advocating against Taliban policies.

Recently, Bakhtari’s courage garnered recognition at the CPH:DOX festival in Copenhagen where “The Last Ambassador”, a documentary directed by Natalie Halla, was showcased. The film chronicles Bakhtari’s journey from representing Ashraf Ghani’s regime to her current role as a resilient diplomat fighting against the Taliban’s legitimacy and promoting clandestine education for Afghan girls.

The Taliban’s 2021 takeover created a complex legal situation for Afghan embassies globally; some ambassadors cooperated with the new regime while others opposed it. Bakhtari’s decision to stand against the Taliban has resulted in threats and formal dismissal attempts, yet she has remained steadfast. Her refusal to resign is grounded in a commitment to representing the Afghan populace rather than the Taliban.

Initially operating in traditional embassy conditions, the Afghan embassy in Vienna faced significant challenges post-2021 due to funding cuts by the Taliban. Bakhtari managed to relocate operations to an economical residence while maintaining services, and later launched “Dukhtaran”, a secret initiative to offer education to girls barred from schools.

To galvanize support and formulate a united opposition, Bakhtari organized the Vienna Conference, convening Afghan representatives in April 2023. This summit included various ethnic and gender identities, aiming to strategize against the Taliban. Despite Taliban retribution, such as blacklisting her embassy, Bakhtari has received international accolades for her advocacy, including the White Ribbon Award from OECD.

With an optimistic outlook, Bakhtari believes her efforts are crucial in delaying international recognition of the Taliban. Her previous failures of the regime to secure diplomatic recognition reflect a significant resistance movement, further fueled by ongoing dialogues between countries like India and the Taliban.

Despite hardships, Bakhtari’s background as a journalist and attempts to promote justice and women’s rights remain integral to her mission. The documentary produced focuses on her experiences and empowerment, shedding light on public perceptions toward Taliban dealings and advocating for continued diplomatic opposition to their governance.

Manizha Bakhtari’s unwavering fight against Taliban oppression illustrates the resilience and determination of Afghan women in the face of adversity. As the last active female ambassador for Afghanistan, she continues to represent her country while advancing women’s rights through clandestine educational initiatives and international advocacy. Despite obstacles and threats, her efforts contribute to a broader movement resisting Taliban recognition and promoting justice for Afghan women.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com