RECOIL and SLIDE manipulation
I am of the opinion that yes, the .380 is enough, IF you are carrying it, and IF you are reasonably proficient with it. Those two IFs normally come with PRACTICE.
I like the 9mm "kurz" or .380 round a lot. Consequently, over the years, I've purchased many guns in that caliber. Some of these "mouse" guns had enormous "felt" recoil. Much more than any of my full-size 45s or 357s. A couple of these 380s were the Keltec P3AT, the NAA .380, the Seecamp 380, and even the Walther PPK. All those guns are long gone.
The ones that felt good in the hand are those that remained: Sig 232, CZ83, and the Bersa 380 Thunder (rented that one.) Yes, they are bigger and heavier than the others, but that was the right round for those guns.
I still wanted a "mouse" gun and ended up buying a Seecamp LWS32. In my humble opinion, for a gun that size and weight, that was the right round for that gun. I love shooting that thing, very comfortable, very pointable, and very low felt recoil. It finds its way into my pocket almost all the time in the summer.
In the winter, I normally carry the Sig or the CZ, and lately I've been carrying my newest toy, the HK P7. (About the size of a Walther PPS in 9mm)
Finally, my experience at the range, instructing numerous women, is that some women just do not possess the hand, wrist, and/or arm strength to not only cock a semiauto, but to shoot it successfully without "limp-wristing". Other women have no such problems.
For the women that have trouble racking the slide, I either recommend a nice lightweight 38 revolver (SW 642), or if they really want a safety, the Beretta Tomcat in .32 or the Bobcat in .25/.22. Both the Berettas have tilt-up barrels, safeties, and long double action pulls. Rumor has it that the blued versions had some issues with cracks in the slide whereas the SS models have been trouble free.
If you can rent some guns first, do so. If not, you're being smart by accessing a forum such as this because, trust me, it can get very expensive buying and selling guns. Good luck with your choice. Remember, even a SW 317 that carries 8 rounds of .22 Stingers, (VERY lightweight) is better than a sharp stick in the eye.
P.S. One more thing, haven't tried one yet, but I've heard great things about the Ruger LCP. If you can find one, give it a look see!