Latvian Women Turn to ‘Husband Hiring’ Due to Male Shortage

A significant gender imbalance in Latvia is leading women to seek unconventional solutions for household support. With a reported shortage of men, many are turning to services that allow them to hire “husbands for an hour” to assist with chores. According to a recent report by Eurostat, Latvia has 15.5% more women than men, a figure that is over three times the average rate in the European Union. This disparity is particularly pronounced among those aged 65 and older, where there are twice as many women as men, as noted by World Atlas.

The situation has prompted women like Dania, who works at festivals, to express their frustrations. “There’s nothing wrong with that… but just for the good balance, you would want to have some more men to flirt or chat with,” she remarked. Her friend Zane echoed her sentiment, explaining that many of their friends have sought relationships abroad due to the limited local options.

To address this growing need, platforms such as Komanda24 have emerged, enabling women to rent skilled men for various household tasks. For a small fee, these “Men With Golden Hands” can assist with plumbing, carpentry, and even mounting televisions. Similarly, the service provided by Remontdarbi.lv allows women to book a “husband for an hour” online or via phone, with workers arriving promptly to tackle chores ranging from painting to fixing curtains.

The root cause of this gender disparity has been attributed to several factors, particularly the shorter life expectancy of men linked to health and lifestyle choices. World Atlas reports that men are about three times more likely to smoke, with 31% of the male population engaging in the habit compared to just 10% of women. Additionally, 62% of men fall into the overweight or obese category, compared to 57% of women.

This trend of hiring husbands is not isolated to Latvia. In 2022, Laura Young gained attention after creating a business where her husband, James Young, performed odd jobs for other women. Dubbed “Rent My Handy Husband,” the service offers various tasks such as DIY, painting, and decorating. Charging around $44 per hour and $280 for a full day, James has found himself booked solid for the month of November, illustrating a growing demand for such services.

As Latvia navigates this gender imbalance, the rise of husband hiring reflects both a creative response to social challenges and a practical solution for everyday tasks. The innovative platforms not only provide assistance but also highlight the unique dynamics of gender roles in modern society.