Genital Autonomy exists as a charity to promote, preserve and protect the health and well-being of male, female and intersex children by protecting them from unnecessary genital surgery or modification; and to promote human rights of children in relation to genital surgery or modification as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights Of the Child throughout the world.

The 14th International Symposium - Changing Global Perceptions: Child Protection and Bodily Integrity - is being held at Keele University, organised by the International Committee of the charity Genital Autonomy. The three days are themed and we have invited speakers who are professionals and well-known in their fields to address these themes, expanding on new developments and taking our issues forward.

Day One: Child Protection, Law and Ethics

Confirmed speakers include Michael Thomson, Professor of Law at Leeds University; Brian Earp, Research Associate with tthe Oxford Centre for Neuro-ethics; James Chegwidden, Barrister and a speaker from CRIN (The Children's Rights Information Network)

Day Two: Politics and Activism

Confirmed speakers include Ann-Marie Wilson from 28 too many, Maryam Namazie, Iranian-born human rights activist from the Council of ex-Muslims of Britain, and Antony Lempert, Chair of the Secular Medical Forum

Day three: Consequences: Psychological harms, sexual dysfunction and pathways to treatment.

Confirmed speakers include John Dalton, Trustee and member of a research ethics committee; Tiina Vilponen, Communications Manager and Tommi Paalanen, Executive Director from the Sexpo Foundation, Finland; Dr Comfort Momoh MBE, an FGM and public health specialist at Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust; Holly Greenberry, Co-Director of Intersex UK; and a speaker from the Porterbrook Clinic in Sheffield, one of the largest in the UK specialising in psycho-sexual problems.

Notes for bookings

The Symposium package price includes three days' conference, two overnight stays (14th & 15th bed & breakfast) in single en-suite study bedrooms on campus and all meals from Wednesday lunch to Friday lunch including Wednesday evening dinner and Thursday's evening banquet plus refreshments at tea breaks.

We can also accommodate extra nights if you wish to extend your stay. Please email with a note of the dates you require. Many will want to stay on the Tuesday night before the conference and/or the Friday night at the end.

We are offering a day-rate if you wish to arrange your own stay off campus. Local hotels and b&bs are available. If you and your partner want a double room, a limited number are available in the Keele Management Centre. Please book as normal (per person) but email us to secure one of the double rooms.

If you wish to bring a friend or partner to stay on campus but not to attend the conference, please book as extra overnight stays and consider a banquet ticket as well!

Speakers do not need to pay on the day on which they are speaking. However, if a speaker wishes to stay on at the conference, extra days and nights must be paid for. The banquet would need to be booked in addition if required. Please see the speakers' rates on the ticket schedule.

A word to the wise: If you are flying in, then use Manchester Airport rather than one of the London airports. Travel from there to Keele is much easier and cheaper!