Social realities that make it more difficult for women and minorities

  Are there wider social realities that make it more difficult for women and minorities to gain office? For example, the overall area of politics is maledominated and to be more exact, white-male-dominated. How can this make women and minorities feel less confident to gain office due to their difference/lack of education, cultural background, and overall lack of confidence can factor into making women and minorities gain office more difficult. Do you see this as a non-issue? If so, why?