Pretty sure you’ve come across striking portraits of your girl friends in a black-and-white filter, accompanied with the caption “challenge accepted” and an additional pep talk, for the past couple of days. No, it’s not a tribute to Taylor Swift’s new album Folklore in its black and white glory, and her friendly reminder to not call your exes, but the singer herself could throw in a few feminist lyrics and jump in on the social media movement.
More than six million entries have already flooded Instagram to promote one thing—women empowerment through the small, liberating act of posting a selfie, which a lot of women shy away from. The filter also creates a stripped-down effect that highlights the key elements and similarities of women everywhere.
It may be unclear when or how the chain started before it eventually reached a worldwide following, but the rules are simple: If you’re nominated, post a black-and-white selfie, nominate friends, add a caption "Challenge Accepted,” and words meant to inspire and uplift women and everyone who identity as a woman, and click post.
Local celebrity moms have also taken part in the challenge to spread motivation and messages of strength and solidarity. Here are our favorite entries so far:
Manila Bulletin Lifestyle columnist Amanda Griffin Jacob has posted a beautiful portrait with the caption, “I couldn’t ignore all the incredible women asking me to be a part of this women empowering women movement. Let us always lift one another up! Sending love to the sisterhood.”
Dr. Aivee Teo posed in a black dress adorned with a classy pearl necklace, with the caption, “Although things may seem gray right now, all these shall pass in God’s perfect time. Hang in there, everyone!”
Jolina Magdangal-Escueta
Dimples Romana
DOT Sec. Berna Romulo Puyat
Jennylyn Mercado
Carmina Villaroel
Melai Cantiveros Francisco
Karla Estrada
Kaye Abad
Iya Villania-Arellano (We have a winner!)