Women's groups have called for an end to sexual discrimination and the speedy implementation of a minimum wage.

On the eve of International Women's Day they have called for the "Three Eights" - eight hours of work, eight hours of rest and eight hours of sleep.

About 40 women members of the Federation of Trade Unions marched to the Central Government Offices to make their plea.

FTU vice chairwoman Chan Yuen-han said the government should implement the minimum wage for all workers this summer as scheduled as the majority of those exploited are women.

"Many women are forced to accept lower pay for fear of losing their jobs," she said.

"If the government delays the minimum wage legislation, we will be very angry. Many women have waited for this law for a long time."

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung Kin-chung denied suggestions the government was dragging its heels on the legislation.

"Legislators are now holding three meetings per month instead of two to draft the bill," he said.

"The public should know that the speed of such legislation is entirely determined by legislators and not the government."

Meanwhile, 50 women from the Confederation of Trade Unions distributed rose bookmarks to passersby in Mong Kok, urging them to respect the dignity of women.

They also chanted slogans, saying women have been forced to accept lower wages to do the same jobs as men.

Their spokeswoman, Cheung Lai-ha, said many women had been unfairly treated in the past.

"Many employers still think that women are less capable than men and they are classified as inferior labor," she said. "Or they think women do not need to support their families."

She said wage differences are especially serious in the catering industry.

The group hopes there will be more respect for female workers and called on the government to provide more nanny and elderly services for working women.