In many Jain traditions, menstruation is treated as a temporary physical state of impurity because of body flow, weakness, and the need for extra rest and restraint. So some households follow the rule that a woman should avoid handling things during periods, even ordinary things, as a matter of discipline and tradition.

From a Jain perspective, the main ideas behind this are:

• Aparigraha and restraint: reduce activity and keep the body calm.
• Shuddhi / purity discipline: some traditions consider menstruation a period of bodily change, so they maintain certain restrictions.
• Respect for household and practice: in some families, the rule is followed as a customary observance, not because the woman is “bad” or inferior.

However, this is not uniform in all Jain communities. Practices differ between Digambar and Shwetambar traditions, and even among families. Some observe stricter rules, while others keep them minimal, especially for ordinary daily activities.

So, in simple words: The restriction is usually a traditional Jain purity and restraint rule, not a judgment about a woman’s worth. It is often meant as temporary discipline during a natural bodily phase.

If you want, I can also explain how this is understood differently in Digambar and Shwetambar traditions.