BANGKOK - About 500 women demonstrated at Thailand's Government House on Friday, calling for improved state welfare for the female labor force.

Marking United Nations-designated International Women's Day on Friday, the women's labor network urged the Yingluck Shinawatra government to set up more child care centers in industrial zones and communities, called on it to endorse the International Labor Organisation's Convention No 183 on maternity protection.

Moreover, the group asked the government to expand social security coverage, including maternity welfare, for every labor group.

The demonstrators also demanded equal representation for male and female members on the Social Security Board to better protect the rights of woman workers.

Meanwhile, in her statement on the Women's Day, Yingluck said her government has set gender equality as national agenda.

"Equality is the key to reduce poverty which will also lead to sustainable development," the premier said.

The statement was published on Thai Government House website on Friday.