This article's main objective is to analyze the spaces occupied by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Brazilian politics. The first section seeks a clear definition of the main characteristics of these organizations, especially concerning their relations to social movements. The second part analyzes a set of actions by Brazilian NGOs, most of which originating from the women's movement, in order to exemplify their range of action in relation to the state and civil society as a whole, particularly as regards issues of citizens' rights.
civil society; political participation; NGO