country offices should prepare gender plans that identify gaps and needs in technical support capacitybuilding joint action and advocacy and collective monitoring that facilitate stronger gender programming this process should be supported monitored and reported upon annually by the respective regional bureaux to the gsic however to ensure more even attention to all countries and because country offices are expected to prepare gender plans it is suggested that regional bureaux take specific measures to support the preparation of these multiyear countryspecific gender plans and monitor and report on their formulation and implementation to the gsic this process will provide an opportunity for offices to assess their needs and gaps at the country level and to articulate expectations for support from the regional service centres in promoting gender equality and women s empowerment