Short Summary: This paper considers the participation of the feminist and women's movements within women's councils as a forum between Civil Society and the State. It documents the evolution of women's rights movements and women's councils in Ceara, Brazil. The role of women's councils and their interactions with the state are placed in a historical context. The paper develops an analysis of the relations that were developing and consolidating among the The Ceará Council of Women's Rights (CCDM), the feminist movement, the women's movement and some NGOs, as an experience in widening the democratic space in the country. The paper concludes that the existence of the CCDM, at the mercy of innumerable obstacles and centralized administrations, has instilled in some government organisms a sensitivity and commitment to the defense of policies devoted to women's interests and gender issues. (Source: IDS Governance Programme)
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