Manizha Bakhtari (Persian: منیژه باختری) is an Afghan diplomat, author and journalist renowned for her contributions to the country's literary and political landscape.

Prior to her diplomatic career, Bakhtari served as a lecturer at Kabul University's Journalism Faculty, which is her alma mater.

Her father, Wasef Bakhtari, was a celebrated Afghan poet whose work significantly influenced modern Persian poetry.

Her mother, Nooria Bakhtari, met Wasef when they were both studying Persian literature at Kabul University and where their shared passion for the subject brought them together.

Upon becoming a lecturer at Kabul University, Bakhtari identified a gap in the educational system, recognizing the need for a comprehensive and modern curriculum for Afghanistan's journalism students.

Bakhtari, together with some of her close friends, created a campaign called Dukhtaran (Persian: دختران) or Daughters to gather support for school-age girls in Afghanistan.

She was one of the first Afghan women who pursued international education, completing her studies at Queensland University in Australia over half a century ago.