YOU’RE probably wondering about that, too.
As you take a scroll through your IG feed – even Facebook – you can see this parade of black and white photos of wonderful women. From celebrities to politicians to professionals, even the teens!
The selfie or the solo pics were posted with that simple caption: “Challenge accepted.” Many netizens have also included the hashtag #womensupportingwomen in their posts alongside the tag for the challenge.
But, what exactly is it?
The challenge
According to a report from The New York Times, the premise of this trend is that these photos promote “female empowerment,” and that nominating friends to take part in this campaign is “a way for women to support each other.”
Some critics would say a clip of a courageous Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaking out against co-rep Ted Yoho’s sexist remarks against her on Congress last week triggered to “a spike in social media posts about feminism and female empowerment,” which may have fueled the trend.
Others have also noted that women in Turkey began sharing B&W photos recently to raise awareness about women issues such as femicide.
It went viral
Some would say: “Empowerment can be contagious.” The challenge has circulated via chain DMs on Instagram, even private messages on Facebook.
A participant nominates her closest girl-friends asking them to post their own B&W versions.
So far, millions of photos have been uploaded with the #ChallengeAccepted hashtag, the report added.
On Monday, an Instagram spokeswoman said the trend is “still picking up with usage of the hashtag on Instagram doubling in the last day alone.”
“Based on the posts, we’re seeing that most of the participants are posting with notes relating to strength and support for their communities,” she added.
Now, Panay News has compiled these powerful photos from powerful women across the world: influencers and moms and frontliners and many others. Along with the hashtags, some even came up with their message of empowerment!
Dubbed as ‘Real-life Darna,’ actress-activist Angel Locsin poses with subtlety and grace 
Vice President of the Philippines Leni Robredo joins the trend! #womenliftingwomen 
Actress Nadine Lustre screams a summer B&W 
American actress and film producer Jennifer Aniston wrote: “Thank you to all the brilliant and beautiful women in my life who sent the most uplifting messages today. Truth be told, I don’t really understand this #challengeaccepted thing…but who doesn’t love good reason to support women! Soooo….challenge accepted”
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat also joins ‘Challenge Accepted’ 
Ilongga nurse and mompreneur Farrah Yotingco-Bacus captioned: Choose to be who you are, do what you love. Always remember: be kind, be brave and just be YOU. #womensupportingwomen #womenpower #empoweringwomen #empoweredwomen #challengeaccepted
Dr. Rodrose Guzman-Trivilegio says, “One woman can make a difference, but together we can rock the world!” 
Marketing manager Leah P. Fajardo joins the force: “Women makes up a beautiful home. Keeps a man strong. So woman, stay incredible!” 
Thea Elyza Uy, a Certified Public Accountant firmly says, “We, WOMEN, must stand strong as men. Value your abilities because you can do so much more than you can imagine.” 
Educator-photographer Cheng Superal strikes a dreamy pose: “While misogyny is seen in full colours, women are kaleidoscopic in black and white. I participated to influence and encourage other women to be proud of their beauty in these changing times.”
To all women out there, just stay as empowered as you are. We got this! We got each other./PN
