I think the Mauser Hsc is very similar in design to the PPK. I had one many years ago, and it ran fine, but I had no real use for it. The German guns, the Hsc and PP variants are cool, but generally not trouble free.
The Kahrs have pretty good buzz going for them. There are plastic framed .380's, also compact 9mm's in both stainless and plastic frame.
Don't forget the 1911 platform. Colt now has a 9mm in the Defender, if a .45 is too intimidating for her.
Lots of places have guns to rent, and a test run is wise with something intended for serious social purposes.
On autos where women have trouble racking the slides, teach them to keep both arms straight and turn their shoulders to pull the slide back. This trick has proven helpful, with the 3 women I have taught to shoot.
