Also one for the .22
I've been out with a few small first time female shooters, and neither was comfortable shooting a 9mm the first time out, though they tried.
My old Ruger MK-11 has the 6" bull barrel, and it's really a bit too heavy - they arch their backs holding the thing up.
Short and light and .22 are the 3 things I'd recommend, therefore.
To toss a monkey in the works, what about a Revolver? Ruger or SAA style.
The good thing about a revolver is there's no motion up top. When I was young and inexperienced with pistols I just hated the 1911-22 that I was given to fire. Too much weird motion with that slide slapping around. Revolvers were much more stable and solid feeling. The Mk-II Ruger was pretty close too. That helps a whole pile with confidence.
I wish I had a .38 revolver, as that would have been the next step for them before a 9mm pistol...