Ayesha Lutschini is the Team Leader of PNG Women Lead, a flagship gender equality initiative of the Australian Government in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG) and managed by Abt Global. Ayesha brings more than 10-years’ experience leading and managing complex development programs in PNG for gender equality outcomes. In her role as Team Leader, Ayesha provides strategic leadership across a multidisciplinary team for program delivery working closely with GoPNG counterparts, civil society organisations, and multilateral partners to advance gender equality and disability equity, with a focus on locally led development and sustainability. She is responsible for guiding program strategy, managing complex grants and partnerships, and ensuring high‑quality monitoring, evaluation, research and learning that informs adaptive management and policy dialogue. Ayesha contributes to Pacific regional conversations on gender equality and development effectiveness through conferences, policy engagement, and sectoral collaboration that centres locally led development for gender equality results.
Ayesha has worked with Abt Global in PNG for 9 years and previously held senior gender equality and safeguarding advisory and executive roles. Across these positions, she has supported the mainstreaming of gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion across health, education, economic growth and governance programs, working closely with government, civil society and international partners.
Ayesha holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Development and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and Peace and Conflict. She is currently completing a Post Graduate Diploma in Governance and Public Policy. At 22 years old, she founded Meri Toksave, which led the development of Papua New Guinea’s first nationwide directory of emergency services for people affected by family and sexual violence. In 2022, Ayesha was recognised on the Young Women to Watch in International Affairs list, reflecting her ongoing contribution to gender equality and development leadership in the region.
Expertise
- Gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion
- Governance and civic engagement
- Locally led development
Key Projects
- PNG Women Lead program
- Tackling Gender Inequality in Papua New Guinea