Why do you supposed the women characters in TV stories and movies almost never are seen carrying handbags?

I only noticed this recently, then wondered how I could have been so blind for so many years. Really, about 95% of women pictured in visual entertainment (movies, TV) are not shown with handbags. To me this is so opposite of what we know as real life, I think there must be some reason for it. Does anyone know that reason? Or perhaps you have a theory? In any case, thanks in advance for enlightening me.