Skip to content
Oak National Academy
Oak National Academy
My library
Teachers
Pupils
View unit
Lesson 8 of 14

The role of Women in Islam

In this lesson, we will focus on the roles of women within Islam in the lesson today. We will explore Islamic views on the roles of women, women and worship, treatment of women and use of hijab (impact of culture).

Download all
Share activities with pupils
View unit
Lesson 8 of 14

The role of Women in Islam

In this lesson, we will focus on the roles of women within Islam in the lesson today. We will explore Islamic views on the roles of women, women and worship, treatment of women and use of hijab (impact of culture).

Download all
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by the end of the Spring Term 2026.

Start using our brand new teaching resources now. Designed by teachers and subject experts, with real classrooms in mind.

The older resources below were created for lockdown learning during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

View and download new resources

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Islamic views on the roles of women.
  2. Women and worship.
  3. Treatment of women.
  4. Use of hijab (impact of culture).

Equipment

You will need two different coloured pens: black or blue and another coloured pen, such as green or red.

Licence

This content is made available by Oak National Academy Limited and its partners and licensed under Oak’s terms & conditions (Collection 1), except where otherwise stated.

Lesson video

Share with pupils
Skip lesson video

Loading...

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf
Share with pupils

5 Questions

Q1.
What is the traditional Christian view of the role of women?

They are the leader of the family.
They are the leader of worship both at home and in church.
Correct answer: They take care of the household and the family.

Q2.
Why do some Christians disagree with the traditional role of women?

Correct answer: They believe that everyone is equal so men and women should have equal roles in the family.
They believe that while men and women are equal they have different strengths.
They follow the teachings of St Paul who said that women had the same role as men.

Q3.
Which Churches do NOT allow women to lead worship?

Anglican and some Orthodox Churches
Correct answer: Many Orthodox Churches and Roman Catholic
Roman Catholic and Anglican

Q4.
In the Roman Catholic Church women are allowed to deliver readings in church.

False
Correct answer: True

Q5.
Libby Lane was the first...

Correct answer: Female bishop in the Church of England.
Female bishop in the Roman Catholic Church.
Female vicar in the Church of England.

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf
Share with pupils

5 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following is true about the belief of the status of women within Islam?

Correct answer: Men and women are both of equal value to God and both are equally accountable for their good and bad deeds
Men and women were both made in the image of God
Women are of a higher status than men

Q2.
Which of the following best describes the role of women traditionally in Islam?

The men and women have interchangeable roles
The woman goes out to work and provides for the family
Correct answer: The woman looks after her husband, prepares food for the family and teaches the children the basics of Islam

Q3.
Which of the following is true about women in worship in Islam?

It is common to see a woman leading prayers in a mosque (be an imam)
Women are exempt from attending prayers in a mosque, and if they do attend, can sit amongst the men
Correct answer: Women are exempt from attending prayers in a mosque, and if they do attend, must sit separately from men
Women are obligated to attend prayers in a mosque

Q4.
In some Islamic countries, there are restrictions on women's rights.

False
Correct answer: True

Q5.
All Muslims believe a face covering for women is obligatory.

Correct answer: False
True

Lesson appears in

UnitReligious education / Human rights

Religious education

Show unit