Development policy and practice has long considered caring for children, the sick and the elderly to be the natural responsibility of women2. Investing in women is therefore seen as a way to create more family welfare. However, the costs of providing care – which fall disproportionately on women – are not always considered. These costs include forgone opportunities for education, employment, earnings, political participation and leisure among others. When projects aim to empower women, the focus is often on developing their business skills and access to finance. Without also addressing the underlying causes of unequal division of labour, however, this can result in heavier workloads on women, increased stress and diminished health3. There is a risk of increasing rather than decreasing women’s workload, with adverse effects on children, elderly and the sick.