Latvian Women Turn to “Husband-for-an-Hour” Services Amid Male Shortage
A unique social trend has emerged in Latvia as women increasingly hire short-term “husband-for-an-hour” services to help with household repairs and chores, a development linked to a significant gender imbalance in the Baltic nation.
According to recent demographic data cited in international media, Latvia has about 15.5 % more women than men, a gap more than three times the average in the European Union. The disparity becomes especially pronounced among older age groups, where women aged 65 and above outnumber men by nearly two to one. www.ndtv.com
What Are “Husband-for-an-Hour” Services?
Rather than romantic partnerships, the so-called “husband” services are essentially handyman or helper services that women — and men — can hire to assist with common household tasks. Platforms such as Komanda24 and Remontdarbi.lv allow clients to book skilled workers for jobs like:
- Plumbing and pipe repairs
- Carpentry and furniture assembly
- Mounting TVs and shelves
- Painting and curtain installation
- General household maintenance
Women in Latvia have increasingly used these services because, with fewer available men in the population and a shortage of male domestic partners, they provide a practical way to get help around the home. www.ndtv.com+1
Why Is This Happening?
Experts point to Latvia’s deepening gender imbalance as the main driver of the trend. Researchers say:
- Latvian men have lower life expectancy than women, partly due to lifestyle and health factors such as higher smoking rates and other chronic issues.
- This has caused a shortage of eligible men, especially for women in mid-life and older age groups.
- Some women report that it is harder to find male partners locally, with a noticeable absence of men in workplaces and social circles. www.ndtv.com+1
One woman working at a local event told international media the workplace was mostly female, and that many of her friends left the country to find partners abroad due to the lack of men at home. www.ndtv.com
Not Romantic, Mostly Practical
While some headlines have sensationalised the phenomenon as “rent a husband,” the services are primarily practical, task-oriented and short-term — not akin to entering a marriage or committed relationship. They are more like handyman booking services adapted to a demographic reality.
A report highlighted the services as similar to modern gig-economy platforms, where people can book help “within an hour” for everyday household needs. www.ndtv.com
Broader Social Implications
Demographers suggest Latvia’s gender gap — one of the widest in Europe — reflects broader trends, including:
- Health and lifestyle differences affecting male longevity
- Economic migration and social dynamics
- Changing household roles in modern Latvia
While these services fill practical gaps, the trend also highlights ongoing concerns about population balance and social life in the country.
In Summary
✔️ Latvian women are hiring short-term “husband” services for home support.
✔️ This trend is a practical response to a shortage of men, not a romantic arrangement.
✔️ The imbalance is linked to demographic shifts and broader health patterns among Latvian men.
✔️ Services like Komanda24 and Remontdarbi.lv focus on household tasks and repairs.