U.S. Department of State and White House officials asked Md. Zakira Hekmat about the flag to be used in the ceremony, before the International Women of Courage Award Ceremony. "I would like to see both the flag of my homeland, Afghanistan and the flag of Turkey, which have been supporting me and for which I was nominated for this status." she said.

For the first time in the history of the International Women of Courage Award, a woman has broken new ground by requesting two flags of both countries at the White House to be represented by her. Hekmat expressed that she is very proud and happy about this issue.