This video from MrGunsngear does a good job of showing a woman's evaluation of what gun works for her. This boils down my own experience with the women in my life, and how they evaluated different firearms to find one that fits them and makes them more comfortable with gun ownership and carry.
What I've found when dealing with a lady who has never shot a handgun is you have to get something that fits their hand, and they like the looks of.
Next they can't be afraid of it. Some are recoil sensitive, some are just scared to shoot a handgun.
I usually pull out a variety handguns for them to test.
22lr Rough Rider revolver, and Taurus TX22 pistol .
38 Special Ruger LCRx snubnose so they know how it recoils.
9mm Taurus G3X, CZ P10F, PSA Dagger FS, Canik TP9DA
45acp Springfield Ronin 1911, Shield 45
10mm RIA 1911
44mag Taurus M44 6.5" barrel
I've found they stop after the 9mm, some have shot the 45acp but went back to 9mm or 22lr.
I think I'd like to add a Ruger Security 380 to the mix for the ladies to try out. Maybe it would keep some from going back to the 22lr.
Most like the 22lr, or 9mm.
I don't recommend a 22lr but it's better than nothing. I also tell them to use a 40gr HV high quality nickel plated ammunition, or that new federal punch 22lr which I was impressed with the penetration, and it's supposed to have more reliable primer compound.