As we put together these pages, the verdict in one of the most horrifying murder cases in the country is just a few hours old. A sessions court in the country’s capital sentenced Zahir Jaffer to death for the murder of 27-year-old Noor Mukadam. The gruesome murder in July last year had sent shockwaves across the country, with calls for justice against the murderer.

Noor’s was perhaps just one of the many cases of brutal violence perpetrated against women in the country. But it had a particularly vile aspect to it that continued beyond the murder.

While some may argue that justice has been served, there are many who remain sceptical, including some who simply do not expect the system to do better. As February comes to an end, women activists prepare to organise yet another march on the International Women’s Day, an activity that has gained increasing visibility over the past few years and generated considerable controversy. This week, we take a look at what it is that the women organising and joining the Aurat March are demanding and how difficult it is to navigate through the systems – cultural, political and other – they are challenging.

We also explore the ways in which narratives around Aurat March have been shaped on social and informal media as well as the mainstream publications and broadcasts: the many forms the resistance against feminist discourse has taken, including misrepresentation, abuse and threat of violence.