This theoretical paper explores the dilemma that many teachers experience when the topic of gender and islam is brought up; namely the risk of falling into cultural relativism because some pupils might have a prejudiced and negative picture of Islam. It is argued that we cannot avoid the topic, firstly because the curriculum states that we must do so, and secondly because these things need to be discussed in order to bring about awareness of democracy and equality.
In this paper, I focus on how - and why - teachers in Religious education may approach the problems that many Muslim women face, without falling into cultural relativism. It is suggested that rather than applying one's own (Western) ideals and preconceptions, voices from the inside should be brought forward to highlight topical debates among Muslim women and feminists. To bring the topic up for discussion and simply excuse Muslim gender relations as a cultural phenomenon that exist because people do not understand better, is to give the pupils an unfair and old fashioned picture of Islam and those who confess to be Muslims.