Nilofar-Rahmani2nd Lieutenant Nilofar Rahmani, 21, the 1st Afghan female pilot in the history of Afghanistan, has been selected to receive the International Women of Courage Award 2015.

2nd Lieutenant Nilofar Rahmani was trained by American Air Force instructors and received her certificate after graduating from Shindand Air Base in 2013.

Rahmani said that she wanted to fly with her brothers in the air force of Afghanistan, serve the country and be an example for other Afghan females to follow her.

The award is scheduled to be presented to Nilofar Rahmany by the American 1st lady, Michelle Obama. Eight other females from around the world are also selected for this award who have shown an exceptional courage as gender equality.

The other female who are selected for this award are:

Beatrice Epaye from CAR

Majid Ghourbaji from Syria

Nadia Sharmin from Bangladesh

Rosa Julieta Montano Salvatierra from Bolivia

May Sabe Phyu from Burma

Marie Claire Tchecola from Guinea,

Sayaka Osakabe from Japan

Arbana Xharra  from Kosovo

The event is organized every year and from 2007 up to now 85 women from 50 countries have received the International Women of Courage Award.