Updated

Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords has been named a "change maker" by the YWCA during its annual women leadership conference in Tucson.

Giffords, who was shot in the head at a public event in 2011 that left six people dead and 13 wounded, told the more than 400 women at the event that she was still fighting "to make the world a safer place."

Giffords gave a brief speech after being introduced by husband Mark Kelly, a retired NASA astronaut, and her mother, Gloria Giffords.

The crowd gave Giffords a standing ovation as she slowly walked up the stage with Kelly.

Giffords and Kelly founded Americans for Responsible Solutions, a group that advocates for tougher gun laws.