As many countries mark the occasion with various events, around 250 million girls the world-over live a life of abject poverty.

In the African continent alone, three million girls are circumcised every year.

As many as 62 million girls do not get any education.

Meanwhile, in India, a 13-year-old girl from Hyderabad died last week after fasting for 68 days for the Jain holy period called Chaumasa. 

Aradhana, was admitted to a Hyderabad hospital two days after she finished her fast due to a cardiac arrest, dnaindia.com reports. 

According to B Sumathi, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North Zone), a case would be filed after a preliminary inquiry into the incident. 

Local NGO Balala Hakkula Sangham (Child Rights Association) had written a letter to Hyderabad Police Commissioner on Friday seeking an inquiry into the girl's death earlier this week. 

The NGO alleged that the minor's family members and community elders made her undertake the fast as part of a ritual.