re: Need a recommendation for a handgun for a small woman.

I disagree with the shotgun school of thought.

Pump-actions take alot more practice to use effectively under stress than an AR. The rate of fire is lower, the ergonomics are worse, the capacity is a hell of a lot lower. Or you get into guns like drum-fed Saiga 12's or tube-fed semi-autos which have a different set of issues, whereas an AR quickly and neatly solves all those problems.

So if it's a long gun, it should be an AR or generally equivalent rifle setup.

For pistols, full size guns may be a little more unwieldy than necessary for her. Something in the midsize market may feel better in-hand i.e. she may prefer a Glock 19 over a Glock 17 or Commander-size vs. full size 1911, M&P compact vs. full size M&P etc. Don't go smaller than that because the loss of size and weight will make the recoil unwieldy.

And finally if she has really small hands she may have trouble with many double stack designs. It's important that she tests whatever guns you're considering first.

I'm a Glock 19 fan but based solely on the information you posted I'd bet that she would like a M&P compact.