my girl carry's a Phoenix Arms .22lr.
I know it's definitely NOT the best choice for a self defense/carry gun, but honestly, she doesn't have trouble handling it and is pretty deadly accurate with it (I'm pretty sure she'd have no trouble nailing someone between the eyes if she had too). So whatever makes her happy I guess...I'd much rather have her carry the .357 (even loaded with .38s), but she doesn't feel as confident with it as she does with the little Phoenix--oh and because it goes with and fits in her purse better *facepalm*. And at lest it's better then nothing.
I'm saving up to hopefully get at lest a 9mm for her to carry (she loves the Ruger P95 and Walther P99) and put the .22 away for practice/fun at the range/desert.