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The study highlights the socio-semiotic representation of gender-based victimhood and autonomy by pinpointing visual signs related to power, oppression, suffering, protection, control, marginalization, and subjugation in relation to gender in Pakistani paintings on honour killing. Four paintings have been purposively selected to highlight how, as compared to highly stereotypical representations, these paintings present diverse cultural themes and realities concerning gender roles, victimhood, and autonomy in honour-based contexts. The social semiotic approach of the grammar of visual design as suggested by Kress and van Leeuwen (2006) has been employed. Analysis shows that not only women, but men have also been represented as sufferers. Men are both oppressors and oppressed, while their protective role has also been represented. However, men have not been represented as direct victims of honour killing. Female assertion of individuality and agency has also been represented along with female victimhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents insights on the need to create a culture where university faculty and graduates drop in regularly to share their knowledge and skills with students and teachers. Topics covered include the recommendation for academics to conduct workshops on spoken or written English, the possible role of students in encouraging learners at school and the need for voluntary educational work in addressing the problems facing developing countries.