This article examines the duty to protect against harmful practices perpetuated against women and girls in Zimbabwe just over a decade after the ratification of the African Women’s Protocol. Prior to the publication of this article, existing research focused on the implementation of the Protocol as a whole. This article focuses exclusively on the implementation of Article 5 legally, institutionally, and from a policy reform perspective from 2008-2018. Contributions by civil society and non-governmental organizations are also examined. Starting with an overview of the harmful cultural and generational practices that oppress women in Zimbabwe, such as child marriage, virginity testing and dowry payments, the article turns to the reforms undertaken by the government to implement Article 5. After canvassing the implementation of Article 5, the article concludes that some harmful practices are ongoing, partly due to the pace at which legislative reform is taking place.