The medal was awarded in recognition of her services to Afghanistan, and it came on the eve of her departure from the country after more than three years with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

"I am touched, and honoured to have had the opportunity to serve in this country," Ameerah said. "Over the past three years I have watched tremendous progress here despite the difficulties. I leave Afghanistan with great hopes for its future."

The Malalai medal is among Afghanistan's highest awards for citizens of Afghanistan and foreign countries. It is bestowed in appreciation of remarkable services in defence of the country, and in ensuring peace, stability, and other civil and military services.

The medal is named after Malalai, a woman hero of Afghan history who helped defeat British forces at Maiwand in 1880 in one of the largest battles of the Second Anglo-Afghan War. On seeing Afghan forces falter, Malalai issued a rallying call that breathed fresh life into the Afghan effort, leading to victory.