We study the relationship between remittances and development from an empirical point of view. We also identify the role that non-migrant women play in this relationship. The source of information is Consejo Nacional de Población de México CONAPO. The data base contains Human Development Index, migratory intensity and remittances for the 2443 Mexican municipalities. The evidence suggests that remittances have a positive effect on development. However, the relationship is not linear. We also find that the positive effect of remittances is stronger when emigrants are men and the head of the receptor households are women.