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.