Glock 19 is great for recoil, but most women aren't going to find it that concealable. The Shield is a great gun, at least for me, but my wife didn't like it much. I would still rent one to have her try it out. If really small hands, a Sig Sauer P238 would be good. We just got one for my stepdaughter who is very tiny. She loves it. Small gun, light recoil, but expensive. When I was researching, it was the only .380 of it's size that was rated as very reliable. Read horror stories about most other models. Rented the G42 at a couple different places (new and old versions) and both jammed more than once. You might have to spend a little more for the Sig, but it's worth it.