Latvia’s Huge Shortage Of Men Forces Women To Hire Husbands For Household Work

Eurostat reports that Latvia has around 15.5 percent more women than men. This gap is three times higher than the European Union average. In the population above 65, women are almost double compared to men. Men in Latvia have lower life expectancy due to smoking and unhealthy lifestyle. Many men leave the country for jobs abroad. This creates a huge demographic imbalance. Women struggle to find partners in their own country every year.

What Do Women Say About Situation?

Young women in Latvia complain that there are not enough men to talk to or flirt with. Dania, working at festivals, says most of her co-workers are women. She wants more men around for a balanced life. Her friend Zane says many girls leave Latvia to find boyfriends abroad. The shortage is affecting social life and relationships. Women feel lonely even in crowded places. Dating has become difficult and disappointing for many.

Why Are Women Hiring Husbands?

With very few men available, new services offer “husband for an hour” help. Women can hire these men to do home tasks. It is like renting a helper who behaves like a temporary husband. They can fix broken items, change bulbs, repair things and do cleaning. Women call them on phone or book online. The man arrives quickly to finish needed work. This idea is becoming popular across Latvia now.

Latvia faces ‘shortage of men’ — NY Post

15.5% more women than men, over three times EU average

Women hire ‘husbands for an hour’ to help with ‘household chores’

No wonder they're considering conscripting WOMEN into army by 2028 pic.twitter.com/fGG4opdSI8

— RT (@RT_com) December 4, 2025

Which Services Are Becoming Popular?

Websites like Komanda24 and Remontdarbi.lv offer these handymen as “men with golden hands.” For a small payment, workers come home to do repairs. They put up curtains, install TV, do painting, plumbing and carpentry. It works like TaskRabbit but only for housework. Women feel safe because there is no romantic expectation. The aim is only practical help. The demand for this service is growing every week in cities and villages.

Why Is Latvia Facing This Crisis?

Experts say lifestyle choices affect male survival. Around 31 percent of Latvian men smoke while only 10 percent women smoke. More men are overweight than women. Poor health reduces life span. Due to early deaths, the number of men keeps falling. Migration also pushes young men out of Latvia for better income. Women stay back in larger numbers. This creates a long-term imbalance which is now affecting families and society.

Is This Trend Seen In Other Countries?

Similar services exist in other places too. In the UK, mother Laura Young earns money by renting her husband for household jobs. He charges by hour or full day. Many women need help with basic home tasks. The service gives employment to skilled men. The same concept is now rapidly spreading in Latvia. Hiring husbands has become a business opportunity. It fills a gap created by gender imbalance.

Will This Change Social Relationships?

Latvian women say they want real partners but face tough reality. These services solve problems but cannot replace emotional support. Society needs more men for healthy relationships. Some hope migration may improve gender ratio later. For now, women pay strangers to do what husbands usually do. The shortage has changed how homes operate. Latvia must address health and lifestyle issues to bring balance back.