The Embassy of Afghanistan in Vienna

H.E. Manizha Bakhtari

H.E. Manizha Bakhtari is a distinguished diplomat, lecturer, and author, with significant contributions across various sectors, from international diplomacy to gender advocacy. Formerly, she served as Afghanistan's Ambassador to the Nordic Countries from 2009 to 2015 and was the Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul between 2007 and 2009.

Before embarking on her diplomatic career, Ms. Bakhtari was actively engaged in the non-profit sector with the Cooperation Center for Afghanistan, where her work focused on gender advocacy. She travelled extensively across Afghanistan to implement global gender equality standards and enhance awareness on the subject.

Ms. Bakhtari pursued her higher education at Kabul University, where she obtained a bachelor's degree in Journalism and a master's degree from the Persian Literature Department. She later returned to Kabul University as a lecturer, contributing to the academic community that shaped her earlier years.

An accomplished writer, Ms. Bakhtari has published hundreds of academic and journalistic articles along with seven academic books. Her notable works, Jahan-e Delangize Khabar and Akhalq wa Huquq dar journalism analyze reporting methods in news media and explore journalistic ethics and regulations, respectively. These books were once used as textbooks at the Journalism Faculty of Kabul University. Additionally, she explores fiction writing, with short stories that often highlight the experiences of women and the socio-cultural dynamics of Afghan society.

In recent years, Ms. Bakhtari has shifted her focus towards social work in Vancouver, Canada, collaborating with organizations like the Salvation Army and Ishtar Women’s Resource Society. Here, she employs harm reduction policies to tackle issues of homelessness, poverty, addiction, and domestic violence.

Married to Naser Hotaki, mother of four children: Mariam, Mustafa Kamal, Nosheen, and Parnian Hotaki.