Hilchos Chanukkah / The days of Chanukkah (b) – 2

1. Eulogies and fasting are prohibited during the days of Chanukkah but work is permitted. However, women have the custom to not do work while the candles are lit, as a reminder that one may not use the illumination from the Chanukkah lights. The custom is also designed to help keep the miracle on their mind. (Section 670 of the Shulchan Aruch, Mishnah Berura and Kaf HaChaim)

2. The reason why specifically women are strict in this matter is because the miracle was brought about through women. There are, however, some communities in which the men are also strict about this custom. (ibid.)