Migration from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, --the Northern Triangle-- poses many risks for women and girls migrating in search of a better life. Women embark on a journey north despite the risk of exploitation, human trafficking and gender-based violence, now exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The reasons for migrating vary from country to country, but relate to how steep inequality and gang violence directly affect women – making them targets of violence. During this episode, Wilson Center fellow, Guadalupe Correa, talks to us about the misconception between human trafficking and human smuggling, the differences between gang violence and cartel organizations when it comes to gender-based violence, and explains how these comprehensive networks take advantage of women’s vulnerability as transit governments do not provide a comprehensive network of support and protection for them.