A 1911 is a more training intensive gun than most alternatives. A lightweight, 4” tall 1911 in 45 acp would be hard for me to shoot - not much to grip, not much weight to help and plenty of recoil. NOT in any way a good choice for ANY new shooter, let alone most women.
My wife shoots a plastic .45, however she does like my full size 1911 and wants me to finally build one for her. Neither of us like the stubby 1911s, however, those are not the only choices for lightweight, concealable .45s.
I did not intimate that a small .45 is a good choice for a new shooter. The part about women depends on the woman. I know many who work hard and have plenty of grip strength and the ability to shoot the .45 competently.
Heck, I’m only 5’5” and have small hands. I’ve shot pretty much everything. I prefer N-frames and large cal Ruger Redhawks and Blackhawks, 1911s (single stacks original). It all depends on how motivated one is to learn to shoot the larger heavy recoil firearms. My wife has shot lots of .454 Casull and .480 Ruger.