My partner, she shot a .44 magnum and loved it, and wants one, but let's get real. She has a G-26, but complains that even with the grip extension it pinched her the last two fingers on the grip...so she is seriously considering moving up to a G-19.
I am not sure if you are a .45-person or what, but you should consider what is going to be her likely primary mode of carry, purse, on her person, what...then determine if she is prone to limp-wristing, I have found through observation women seem to be more prone to that than men, but it can be worked out after a number of rounds fired. The 38 snub is small, light but really freaking snappy, and uncomfortable IMO.
I would recommend a G-19 3rd gen to save yourself a couple of bucks, 4th gen if you prefer new...night sights of course. It is a polymer, compact, parts are cheap, it shoots damn straight, and it is a pull-and-shoot sidearm. LCP maybe, but those things are small, and because of their size, a bit snappy IMO...you can also get a laser on them, but you can get a laser on the G-19.
I seen a woman on youtube, she is a tiny woman, who carries a 1911. They are bulky though...I think Ruby, on here, carries one also, but they are pricey. Here is a video of that lady that carries, I believe, a 1911. BTW, she is a hottie, nothing more beautiful than a woman who loves firearms...maybe a pregnant woman that loves firearms...OK, I am going to shut up now LOL
[video=youtube;1RLpiKFWYOU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RLpiKFWYOU&playnext=1&list=PLF084CB2207C0FB77&index=20[/video]
Plus, conversion kits have been hard to come by for Glocks, but I am sure eventually they will be back on the market. You can get a conversion kit for pretty cheap, about half the price of the sidearm, and she can shoot the hell out of it on the cheap, on the same frame, same everything, but the caliber.