| Summary: | This article, based on the results of a research project on catholic families’ organisations in France and Portugal, analyses the conditions under which these conservative groups can promote women’s political ascension. In these associations, the “natural” differences between genders are constantly reasserted and there is a strict sexual division of political labour. Men are in charge of the most prestigious tasks – all tasks related to political decision - while women devote themselves to services to families and organizational labour. However, some women may experience a quick political ascension within the movements, but only if they possess a significant amount of social capital and if they have had professional experience. For these very few women, commitment in catholic families’ organisations can be the starting point of a career in activism and politics.
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