The correct answer is despite because it is used to indicate that something happens regardless of the objections from different individuals or groups. In this context, it shows that reforms are necessary even when facing opposition.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the options:    

• instead of: implies replacing one thing with another, which doesn't fit the context.
• inspite: is not a correct word; the proper form is "in spite of," which is not suitable here.
• despite of: is grammatically incorrect since "despite" doesn’t need "of." It should simply be "despite."

Therefore, "despite" is the only option that properly conveys the intended meaning.