Latvia’s Gender Gap Gives Rise to ‘Husbands for Hire

Latvia’s uneven population structure has given rise to an unusual service trend, as many women are now hiring “husbands for an hour” to help with routine household tasks.

According to Eurostat, women in Latvia outnumber men by 15.5 percent more than three times the average gap across the European Union.

The imbalance becomes even more pronounced among older citizens, with women over the age of 65 almost twice as numerous as men.

This shortage of men has contributed to the emergence of businesses that provide male workers for practical jobs such as fixing plumbing, doing carpentry, and handling general home maintenance.

Companies like Komanda24 advertise skilled handymen, often described as “men with golden hands,” to meet the growing demand created by this demographic reality.

For many women, these services offer a straightforward solution to everyday problems. Platforms emphasise speed and efficiency, with little expectation of social interaction.

As Dania, a local festival worker, explained, although the lack of men affects social life and can feel repetitive, household responsibilities still need to be addressed.

Overall, this phenomenon highlights broader issues facing Latvian men, including health and lifestyle challenges, which have contributed to the widening gender gap and increased reliance on paid handyman services.