.40 is still too much for some females.
But the standardization argument is valid. I saw it happen regularly in my dad’s police department. Over 20 years they went from .38 revolvers to ruger 9mm, to s&w 10mm, to glock .40s. They basically were following the lead of the state police and the fbi. Really hated giving up the 10mm.
I have a .40 and my wife hates it but in a SHTF or emergency, she could handle it, just not her preference. The thing about women is, if they are afraid of the gun, they probably shouldn’t be using it. Lots of range time can change uncomfortable to comfortable. Mine won’t still won’t go near a 12 gauge and she’s not fond of the .45 either.