Afghanistan’s last female ambassador, Manizha Bakhtari, continues to advocate for women’s rights from Austria, defying Taliban orders to dismiss her. She remains committed to representing her country while launching initiatives to support education for girls. Recent accolades and the documentary “The Last Ambassador” emphasize her resilience, highlighting the ongoing struggle against the Taliban’s oppressive regime.
Manizha Bakhtari, Afghanistan’s last female ambassador, continues her advocacy for women’s rights and resistance against the Taliban from Austria. Preparing for the uncertain future in Afghanistan before the Taliban seized control, Bakhtari sought reassurance from Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar, who insisted that the government would remain intact. However, the situation deteriorated rapidly following the withdrawal of U.S. forces, leading to the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul.
Defying an order from the Taliban to dismiss her, Bakhtari steadfastly remained at her post in the Vienna embassy, thereby representing Afghanistan. Recently, she received acclaim at the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival for a documentary titled “The Last Ambassador,” which chronicles her commitment to advocating for Afghan women and girls, illustrating her efforts to establish clandestine educational initiatives for those barred from school.
Despite the Taliban’s attempts to reclaim authority over the embassy, Bakhtari remains determined not to yield. Following the Taliban’s rise, she received a letter relieving her of her ambassadorial duties, which she categorically dismissed. Bakhtari asserted her mission to represent the Afghan population until the Taliban gains international recognition, reinforcing her resolve in the face of adversity.
The Afghan embassy in Vienna formerly operated like any other mission until August 2021, when financial support ceased due to the Taliban’s actions. Bakhtari and her team faced substantial challenges, including budget constraints, which forced them to adapt their operational strategies in order to continue providing services. Despite the Taliban’s public assurances regarding women’s rights, Bakhtari highlights the growing dissent among women protesting the oppressive realities that contradict these claims.
Bakhtari adapts her diplomatic strategies with resilience, relocating the embassy to a more affordable location in Vienna, funded through consular service income. She initiated the Dukhtaran campaign, aimed at covertly educating girls denied schooling, emphasizing decisive action against the Taliban’s oppressive measures. Additionally, she hosted a Vienna Conference to unify Afghan representatives in strategizing against the Taliban, reinforcing her commitment to forming a broad coalition for resistance.
The Taliban’s hostility extended to Bakhtari’s efforts, as they blacklisted the Vienna embassy and invalidated its documentation. Despite facing threats and online abuse, she has received accolades for her work, including the White Ribbon Award for championing women’s rights. Although conditions remain tenuous, Bakhtari expresses optimism about the future, asserting that the Taliban’s regime will not endure indefinitely.
Bakhtari’s fight against fundamentalism originated in her youth, escalating when she entered an arranged marriage at 19. Drawing strength from her father’s recognition of her worth in his literary work, she emphasizes that true peace encompasses justice. Initially apprehensive about creating a documentary, she eventually recognized its significance in depicting her resistance efforts and the broader struggle for women’s rights in Afghanistan.
Directed by Natalie Halla, “The Last Ambassador” critiques the events leading to the Taliban’s resurgence, including the diplomatic decisions that precipitated the crisis. Halla chronicled Bakhtari’s journey over three years, portraying her as a symbol of unwavering resistance against the Taliban. The ambassador’s ongoing efforts serve as a testament to her commitment to preserving hope and advocating for Afghan women amidst adversity.
Manizha Bakhtari exemplifies resilience in her enduring fight for women’s rights in Afghanistan as the last female ambassador. Despite the Taliban’s oppressive regime, she remains committed to representing her country and advocating for the education and empowerment of Afghan women and girls. Her efforts, coupled with documentary films documenting her story, aim to illuminate the ongoing struggle for justice and equality while resisting the Taliban’s control. Bakhtari’s steadfastness signifies hope and determination in a tumultuous political environment, reinforcing the aspiration for a future free from oppression.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
