About Dokhtara Art
Dokhtara Art is a resource for young Afghan artists to reach a wider audience. “Dokhtara” is a Dari word for young women. All artwork on this site is created by Afghans hoping to make the world a little better through their craft. The art serves as a window into their worlds, and also as an outlet for them, both emotionally and practically. All proceeds from sales go directly back to the artists, to support their ongoing art creation, their education, their families and their future.
This website has been in the works since 2019, but with the recent turn of events in Afghanistan which started in August 2021, its release has become all the more essential. We appreciate your interest and support of the Afghan girls and their future. Subscribe to receive their blog posts, which will provide ongoing glimpses into their lives and their artwork.
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Meet Danika Gilbert, the force behind it all…
Danika Gilbert
Danika Gilbert lives in Ridgway, CO, a small town nestled in the San Juan mountains of southern Colorado. Danika first traveled to Afghanistan in 2015, when she started helping a team of Afghan girls learn to mountain and rock climb, through a small non-profit called Ascend. She subsequently made 12 trips to Afghanistan to work with the girls, forming close bonds with many. Several of the girls have accompanied her on treks in Nepal, to learn about guiding, meet people from various countries, including meeting young Nepali women climbers. During her time with the Afghan girls, she got to see their artwork and felt that it was important to get their work out to a wider audience, thus this website.
Danika spent her early years hiking and exploring in the plains of eastern Colorado, but the mountains always called her. Once she could drive, she would disappear into the mountains to hike and adventure. During her years in University, she learned to rock and mountain climb in the coastal ranges of British Columbia, Washington and Oregon. Her first international trip was a summer long climbing adventure in Peru and Bolivia. Then her University studies and climbing passions took her to Nepal and Pakistan, where her love of the Himalayas really grew.
Danika has a passion for teaching, helping others and empowering youth. She has worked for various womens and girls groups, outdoor education programs and also helps adaptive athletes reach dreams in the outdoors. She has been a mountain guide for over 20 years, based out of Colorado, but traveling around the world.
