Latvia is facing a widening gender gap that is reshaping daily life and fueling demand for paid household helpers, according to a report by The New York Post.

Data from Eurostat shows that the country has 15.5% more women than men a disparity more than three times the European Union average. Among people aged 65 and above, the imbalance is even more pronounced, with twice as many women as men, World Atlas reports.

The shortage of men is increasingly visible in workplaces and social settings. Dania, who works at festivals, told The Post that nearly all her colleagues are women. While she appreciates the camaraderie, she said a more even gender distribution would improve social interaction. Her friend, Zane, added that many Latvian women now travel abroad in search of partners due to limited options at home.

In the absence of male partners, many women are turning to a growing market of handyman-for-hire services. Companies such as Komanda24 offer skilled workers branded as “Men With Golden Hands,” providing plumbing, carpentry, repairs, and TV installations. Another platform, Remontdarbi.lv, allows customers to book a “husband for an hour” online or by phone, with workers dispatched quickly for tasks such as painting, fixing curtains, and general household maintenance.

Experts attribute the gender imbalance partly to men’s lower life expectancy, linked to lifestyle-related health issues. According to World Atlas, 31% of Latvian men smoke, compared to just 10% of women, and men are more likely to be overweight or obese.

The trend extends beyond Latvia. In the UK, Laura Young made headlines in 2022 for launching a business called Rent My Handy Husband, offering the services of her husband, James, for odd jobs.

The venture has remained in high demand, with James reportedly fully booked and charging by the hour or by the day for household tasks.