[2]: 62 During the Indonesian occupation of East Timor (1975-1999), Alves was one of the main female leaders of the resistance movement, especially around Laclubar and Laclo.

[1] They were released after about sixteen days, and sent to Dili,[1] where Alves worked as a civil servant in the Indonesian Industry and Trade Authority from 1983-1999.

[2]: 63  In the interim government under United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), Alves became a gender equality adviser on September 30, 2001.

[1][2]: 63  In 2005, Alves was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her role in the independence movement and her work for the rights of women.

[7] From May 2005 to 2007, Alves was an appointed member of the Council of State (Portuguese: Conselho de Estado), which advises the President of East Timor.