Challenge accepted: Why women are posting black-and-white selfies on Instagram

Monochrome photos are taking over our social media feeds, but why?

Over the years, social media has provided us with a number of viral challenges from pouring sub-zero buckets of ice over their heads to posing for photos wearing fully accessorised shopping bags as outfits.

Now though, there’s a new viral sensation that’s sweeping across everyone’s Instagram feeds.

The new trend, known as “Challenge Accepted” or the “Women Supporting Women Challenge” is seeing people share black-and-white photos with a host of celebrities, including Reese Witherspoon and Eva Longoria taking part.

But, what exactly is it and how can you take part? Here's everything you need to know.

What is the “Challenge Accepted” trend?

In an effort to spread positivity and female empowerment amid the global pandemic, women have been sharing monochrome photos of themselves on Instagram and encouraging friends to do the same.

According to an Instagram spokesperson, the trend is “meant to celebrate strength, spread love, and remind all women that supporting each other is everything.”

Alongside their black-and-white images, women are using the hashtags #womensupportingwomen and #blackandwhitechallenge, and captioning their photos with the phrase “Challenge Accepted.”

The hashtags are gaining millions of posts on Instagram, with #womensupportingwomen garnering nearly seven million tags, #challengeaccepted boasting more than three million, and #blackandwhitechallenge with just over one million.

Where did the trend originate?

Tariro Mzezewa, a travel reporter for the New York Times, tweeted that she had spoken to women in Turkey who said the idea of posting black and white images for "empowerment" originated there - as a response to the high rates of femicide in the country and way to feel bonded to other women.

"The original accompanying hashtags were #kadınaşiddetehayır and #istanbulsözleşmesiyaşatır, which I’m told translate to say no to violence against women & enforce the Istanbul Treaty/ Doctrine (where rights to protect women are signed.)," she tweeted.

Instagram user @beelzeboobz also confirmed it originated in Turkey. A post on Instagram reads: "Turkish people wake up every day to see a black and white photo of a woman who has been murdered on their Instagram feed, on their newspapers, on their TV screens.

"The black and white photo challenge started as a way for women to raise their voice. To stand in solidarity with the women we have lost. To show that one day, it could be their picture that is plastered across news outlets with a black and white filter on top."

A New York Times report also says that in 2019 black and white pictures with the hashtag #ChallengeAccepted were meant to spread cancer awareness.

It is unclear why the trend has taken off again now but some say it is as a result of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez being called a "bitch" by Republican Ted Yoho.

How do I take part?

In order to participate, you must post a black-and-white photo of yourself on Instagram and tag other women in the caption to keep the chain going.

You must also include the above hashtags and write “Challenge Accepted” in the caption.

Some people are also nominating people via direct message with the following note: “There is a woman empowerment challenge going around on Instagram. I think you are so bad ass and amazing and I was careful to choose who I think will meet the challenge.... but above all I chose women I know who share my values and views of the world.

“You are one of those women. Post a photo in black-and-white alone, write “challenge accepted” and mention my name. Identify 50 women to do the same, in private DM. I chose you because you are beautiful, strong and incredible. Let's [heart emoji] each other!”

Which celebrities are joining in?

The trend has taken over Instagram with everyone from Kim Kardashian to Elizabeth Hurley getting involved.

Sharing a photo of herself sitting in a car, Gabrielle Union noted in the caption that she was nominated by five women to take part, including Vanessa Bryant.

“Challenge accepted,” she wrote. “I [heart emoji] you amazing ladies!!! Let's keep this going and make sure you acknowledge, support and protect the women that need it most. Sending so much [black emoji] #WeAllWeGot.”

Kerry Washington, who was also nominated by Bryant, posted her own black and white selfie, writing: “Challenge accepted. Thank you for nominating me @vanessabryant. I am awed by the power of women loving each other and lifting each other up!!!!! And I adore you.”

In turn, Washington nominated her Little Fires Everywhere co-star Witherspoon, who shared: “Thank you to all the magical women in my life for the endless love and support. May we all continue to shine a light on one another. This is what sisterhood is all about #womensupportingwomen.”

Jennifer Aniston also joined in with the challenge, writing: “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!”

She also used the trend to remind people to register to vote, adding that it is the “best way we can support other women”. “Encourage all your friends, girlfriends, sisters, moms, daughters to do the same,” she wrote. “The election is right around the corner, and we need to look out for each other AND love each other!”

Other celebrities who have posted black-and-white selfies include Jennifer Garner, Natalie Portman, Demi Lovato and Tracee Ellis Ross.