As the Asian Development Bank recognizes the detrimental effect of trafficking upon development, it presents this regional synthesis paper in order to examine what role it can play in eradicating trafficking in South Asia. The paper begins by analyzing the concept of trafficking and the nature of trafficking in South Asia. Based on empirical studies, the paper then looks at the underlying factors that perpetuate the trafficking and exploitation of women and girls in the region. The legal framework of trafficking and regional and national initiatives against trafficking are also analyzed.